CRANIOVERTEBRAL ANGLE MEASUREMENTS AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS

Abstract

Dental practitioners are widely exposed to a variety of occupational hazards such as physical, chemical, biological and ergonomically too which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Forward neck posture involves increased flexion of lower cervical vertebrae, upper thoracic regions and increased extension of upper cervical vertebrae which can lead to altered curvature of cervical spine. The aim of the present study is to analyze the differences in craniovertebral angle measurement among dental practitioners. The study was conducted with 40 internship students who work more than 4 hours a day. The study was conducted in a private dental college, chennai. Craniovertebral angle was measured using the goniometer, as a tool to measure the forward head posture. The collected data is analyzed statistically using the SPSS for descriptive statistics and gender association analysis using Chi Square. The average craniovertebral angle was calculated to be 55°, Majority (30%) of the participants had 60° of craniovertebral followed by 55° and 65° suggestive of altered cervical spine curvature. The findings of the study are imprecise due to limited participants. On an average the craniovertebral angle was found to be 55° which is more than the standard value of craniovertebral angle.