Correlations between cephalic posture and facial type in patients suffering from breathing obstructive syndrome

Abstract

Aim: In this teleradiographic study, the authors investigate the correlations between facial kind, breathing pattern and cephalic posture. METHODS The research was conducted on a 94 schoolchildren sample. For each patient teleradiographic analysis in-L-L projection and rhinomanometric examination were performed. On the basis of clinical evidences, rhinomanometric results and nasopharyngeal space evaluation, the sample was divided into two groups: the first one included 36 oral breather patients (OB), the second one 58 nasal breathers (NB).

Results: The two groups do not differ significantly, with the exception of divergence values, frequently higher in OB than NB. The comparison of craniofacial features and cephalic posture among the groups points out to correlations between large craniocervical angle and skeletal Class II, mandibular retrognathia and increased gonial angle, respectively, not related to breathing patterns.

Conclusion: According to the authors' results, it can be stated that morphological characteristics classically associated with breathing obstructive syndrome could be induced by altered cephalic posture instead.