[Somatic dysfunctions of the cervical spine and fixed orthodontic treatment: a 145 subjects-cross sectional study].

Objectives : The aim of this blind cross-sectional study is to evaluate the influence of a fixed orthodontic appliance on the cervical spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Number and severity of somatic dysfunctions (i.e. alteration of the function of an element constituting the somatic system or SD) of the cervical spine have been searched on patients sorted out in three groups: subjects without orthodontic treatment (group 1), subjects wearing fixed orthodontic appliance (group 2) and subjects in a retention period after removal of the fixed orthodontic appliance (group 3) and were compared thanks to khi(2) test. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients from 6 to 17 years old was included. There are more SD in the second group (p = 0.006) than in the first group. There is no difference between the 1(st) and the 3(rd) group (p = 0.2), between the 2(nd) and the 3(rd) group (p = 0.4) and between the three groups (p = 0.6) concerning the severity of SD. CONCLUSION: Cervical disorders should not be attributed to long-term multi-attachment treatment since once the active orthodontic treatment is finished, the SD are not significantly increased compared to the control group. These results may encourage to make a study to evaluate benefits of cervical osteopathic follow-up for patients at risk after the setting of the fixed appliance.