Vigneshwaran Ravichandran, Sneha* and Vivek Narayan
Introduction: Ponticulus posticus is an anomaly located on the first cervical vertebrae which can be appreciated on the lateral cephalogram that is mostly neglected by the dentist. Ponticulus posticus is seen commonly in the lower primates. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of ponticulus posticus and its relation with Gender.
Material and Methods: A sample of 100 patients Lateral cephalogram were retrieved, Each digital radiograph was inspected for the presence and absence of ponticulus posticus and the results were statistically analysed..
Result: Among the 100 patients, 35 % were Male and 65 % were Female, 33 % were less than 15 years old, 54 % were 15 to 25 years old, 12 5 were 25 to 5 years old and 1 % were more than 35 years old. The ponticulus posticus was partially present in 16 % patients and absent in 84 % patients.
Conclusion: Ponticulus posticus is not an uncommon anomaly. If such an anomaly is discovered or suspected, it must be recorded in the patient's medical record and a professional consultation sought. As a result, the lateral cephalogram should be considered one of the primary screening tools for finding abnormalities and pathology in the cervical spine. therefore lateral cephalogram should be carefully examined to check for the presence of this anomaly before screw placement in the lateral mask of the atlas to avoid vertebral artery injury.
