Constancy of cervical vertebral maturation indicator in adults: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the cervical vertebral maturation stages in adults with different skeletal bases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 133 lateral cephalograms were selected and allotted in to three groups A (50), B (43) and C (40) having Class I, Class II and Class III skeletal base respectively. Cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) using was assessed using Hassel and Farman method. The morphology of the vertebrae was evaluated by calculating the amount of concavities in the inferior borders of C2, C3 and C4 and the base to anterior height ratio (BAR) and posterior to anterior height ratio (PAR) for C3 and C4.

RESULTS

The overall distribution of CVMI 6 was the least followed by stages 5 and 4. The amount of concavities in C2, 3 and 4 were statistically significant (P<0.05) and was highest in Group C. The distribution of C3 and C4 BAR<0.96 was the least. The distribution of CVM 4 and C4 BAR>1.045 was greater in Group B compared to other groups.

CONCLUSION

Increased prevalence of lower levels of cervical vertebral maturation was observed in adult lateral cephalograms and in Class II skeletal base in particular.