Sagittal spinal posture in relation to craniofacial morphology

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine correlations between the parameters of body posture in the sagittal profile and sagittal jaw position by obtaining objective and valid three-dimensional measurements of the dorsal profile by means of rasterstereography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three adults with Class II or III malocclusions were examined, and six angular parameters were determined. For the sagittal analysis of body posture, the Fleche Cervicale and Lombaire as well as trunk inclination were evaluated. RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations (P < .05) were found between Facial Axis and Fleche Cervicale, Mandibular Plane angle and Fleche Cervicale, and Facial Depth and the Fleche Cervicale. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the mandible seems to have a greater effect on body posture than other craniofacial parameters. As a clinical result of this study, patients with severe malocclusions should be examined interdisciplinarily before orthognathic surgery is performed to minimize postural influence on the altered jaw relationship after surgery.