How common is ponticulus posticus on lateral cephalograms?

Background: Ponticulus posticus is an anomaly of first cervical vertebra visible on lateral cephalogram and has some serious medical and surgical implications. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked or undetected by orthodontists. The general objective of this study is to sensitize orthodontists about this anomaly by depicting its prevalence among a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients.

Methods: Four hundred and fourteen digital lateral cephalograms of orthodontic patients were retrieved from the archives of the department. The lateral cephalograms were carefully assessed for the presence of ponticulus posticus in the posterior spine of atlas vertebra by two investigators independently and the findings were recorded.

Results: Ponticulus posticus was observed in 35.7% of the cases, of which 30.9% had partial ponticulus posticus and 4.8% had complete ponticulus posticus. Even though there was some female predilection, no statistically significant association was found between gender of the patient and presence of ponticulus posticus.

Conclusion: Ponticulus posticus is a fairly common anomaly with more than one-third (35.7%) of a group of Nepalese orthodontic patients affected and is independent of gender. Since, this anomaly is associated with numerous medical conditions and has surgical implications, orthodontists should use lateral cephalogram as screening radiograph for this anomaly.