Ponticulus posticus: clinical and CBCT analysis in a young Italian population

Authors

  • D Tripodi Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti – Pescara, Chieti
  • M Tieri Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti – Pescara, Chieti
  • P Demartis Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti – Pescara, Chieti
  • G Però Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti – Pescara, Chieti
  • G Marzo Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila
  • S D´Ercole Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti – Pescara, Chieti

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2019.20.03.10

Keywords:

Ponticulus Posticus, Arcuate Foramen, CBCT, Vertebral Artery, Headache

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence, the morphological characteristics and any related symptoms of Ponticulus Posticus (PP) in young Italian patients by means of cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIALS ABD METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on images derived from cone-beam CT scans of an Italian population in developmental age (mean age 12.61 ± 2.69); medical history was also evaluated from medical records. The total prevalence and morphology of PP, the prevalence by gender and according to age groups were calculated. For the statistical analysis the ?² test was used. CONCLUSION: PP is not a rare anomaly in Italian young patients and should always be sought in the lateral cephalograms and CBCT, in patients whether or not symptomatic, irrespective of their age, for differential diagnosis and management of cranio-cervicofacial pain in developmental patients.