Relationships between maxillary growth and cervical vertebrae in Korean boys

Purpose : This study was to investigate whether cervical vertebrae can be utilized in evaluating the growth of the maxilla. Materials and Methods : Fifty one male patients took lateral cephalometric radiographs once in every two years from the age of 8 till 14. Measured parameters were the concavity depth at the lower border of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae, and three analytical maxillary dimensions. Results : The analysis of the maxillary measurements and the concavity depth at the lower border of the cervical vertebrae in the lateral cephalometric radiographs showed that the measured parameters gradually increased as the patients aged. Moreover, while the parameters of the patients in age 8 and 10 did not show any correlation, those of the patients in age 12 and 14 definitely showed the correlations. Conclusions : Although certain correlations were seen in particular parameters, further researches and studies with various parameters and shorter age intervals are needed. The result of this study will help clinicians in making plans and evaluating the proposed treatment plans.