Ponticulus posticus in a cohort of orthodontic children and adolescent patients with different sagittal skeletal anomalies: a comparative cone beam computed tomography investigation

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of ponticulus posticus (PP) in groups with sagittal skeletal anomalies in a Turkish population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: A total of 181 CBCT images were evaluated according to gender, side and characteristics of PP in the three different sagittal skeletal groups. Results: The average age of the patients was 13.88 +/- 2.99 years (ranging 8-18 years). The study population consisted of 104 (57.5%) females and 77 (42.5%) males. PP was detected in 66 (36.5%) patients. Unilateral and bilateral PP was identified in 29 (43.9%) and 37 (56.1%) patients, respectively. The prevalence of PP in the atlas vertebrae was found to be higher in males than in females and this was statistically significant (p <= 0.05). PP was most frequently detected in class III patients (25, 13.8%). Statistically significant differences between the different sagittal skeletal groups were observed (p <= 0.05). Conclusions: Ponticulus posticus is a common anomaly in Turkish populations and is associated with different sagittal skeletal patterns. The highest frequency of PP was found in angle class III patients.