Retrospective Analysis of Ponticulus Posticus in Indian Orthodontic Patients-A Lateral Cephalometric Study

BACKGROUND The lateral cephalogram is the most common diagnostic radiograph used in clinical orthodontics. Significant cervical spine pathology can be detected on the routine lateral cephalogram. The aim of this study is to sensitize clinicians for examining the cervical area of lateral cephalogram carefully and thus record anatomical variations. MATERIALS AND METHODS The presence and types of ponticuli posticus were investigated on 650 lateral cephalograms which were randomly selected from archived records at AECS Maaruti College of Dental Sciences & Research Centre, Bangalore. RESULTS The prevalence rate of Ponticulus Posticus in our study was found to be 11.1%. Though there was slight female predominance of 11.7% as compared to 10.4% in males, difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Ponticulus posticus is a common anomaly in the Indian population. If any such anomaly is detected or suspected, it must be documented in the patient's health record and specialist consultation must be sought. The lateral cephalogram must thus be considered as one of the baseline screening tool for detecting anomalies and pathology in the cervical spine region.