Age related changes in the morphology of cervical vertebrae in adolescent period of development

ABSTRACT

Cervical vertebrae shape has been proposed as a diagnostic factor for assessing skeletal maturation in orthodontic patients, while Chronologic age is considered a poor indicator of adolescent development. The aim of the study was to correlate the chronologic age with maturational changes in cervical vertebral morphology. The study was conducted on 100 patients [36 males and 64 females] in the age range of 9 to15 years [mean age 12.77 +/- 1.54]. To define vertebral stages, morphological evaluation of three cervical vertebrae [2nd to 4th] was done. The modified version of CVMS [Stage I-V] was used in the study. The spearman rank correlation between chronologic age and cervical vertebral maturation stages was 0.690 [P<.001]. CVM method is more predictable than chronological age alone in establishment of appropriate timing and types of orthodontic treatment