Syndrome Associated with Cervical Vertebrae Anomalies and Orthodontic Relevance

Cervical vertebrae anomalies (such as Dehiscence, fusion of cervical spine, occipitalization) are associated with myelopathy, cause limitation in neck movement, muscular atrophy, and regional sensory loss. These cervical vertebrae anomalies are associated with syndromes such as Klippel-Feil syndrome, Goldenhar syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Apert syndrome, Larsen syndrome and 22q11.2 micro deletion syndromes. Cervical vertebrae anomalies can be visualized in lateral cephalogram which is routinely advised for orthodontic patients to assess maxillary and mandibular relationship. Assessment of CVA in lateral cephalogram at an early age is essential, not only for treatment of the malformation but because there may be an association with other spinal and non-spinal diseases related to development. Present review discusses about various syndromes and clinical manifestations associated with cervical vertebrae anomalies and its relevance in orthodontics.