Changes in cervical lordosis and cervicovertebral morphology in different ages with the possibility of estimating skeletal maturity

Abstract

Introduction. During growth, proportions of craniofacial and cervical structures are changed. Craniofacial and cervicovertebral structures are morphologically and functionally connected, but their each other?s influence is still unknown. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in cervical lordosis and cervicovertebral morphology in different age periods and the possibility of estimating skeletal maturity, based on the percentage of anterior cervical vertebrae body height sum in the total anterior C2-C5 height. Methods. The study included lateral radiographs of 120 patients of both sexes, divided into three different age groups: eight, 12-13 and 17-18 years of age. Five craniofacial and 15 cervical parameters were measured and analyzed. Results. The results showed significant correlation between cervical lordosis angle and age, gender, anterior and posterior body height of C3, C4, C5, anterior C4-C5 and posterior C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5 intervertebral space, anterior body height of C2-C5. Overall values of all cervical body heights were more present in the total height of the spine in females, while all intervertebral spaces were more present in males. The percentage of anterior and posterior C2, C3, C4, C5 body height sum compared to total C2-C5 height increases with age. Conclusion. The cervical lordosis becomes more curved and vertebral bodies occupy more space in females, while intervertebral spaces occupy more in males. Skeletal maturity could be estimated following vertebral percentage distribution in the total anterior C2-C5 part.