Evaluation of Midpalatal Suture Maturation using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Children and Adolescents / 대한소아치과학회지

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to analyze the association of midpalatal suture (MPS) maturation stages with skeletal maturation and age and to obtain references for establishing a treatment plan for rapid maxillary expansion (RME).Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images from 480 children (240 boys, 240 girls) aged 7 – 15 years were obtained. MPS maturation stages and cervical vertebral maturation indicator (CVMI) were evaluated, and the correlations between MPS maturation stages, CVMI, and age were determined using the Spearman's correlation test. The positive likelihood ratio (LHR) of CVMI for MPS maturation stages was calculated.MPS maturation stages and CVMI showed a strong correlation. Especially, CVMI 1 – 3 showed positive LHR greater than 10 for the diagnosis of stages A – C. MPS maturation stages and age were correlated strongly in girls and moderately in boys.Conventional RME produces the most favorable skeletal effect at CVMI 1 – 3 or those up to 12 years of age and fewer skeletal effects at CVMI 4 or at 13 years of age in girls and 13 – 15 years in boys. It is recommended to evaluate MPS maturation stages using CBCT before RME application at CVMI 5, 6 or at 14, 15 years of age in girls.