J Korean Dent Sci.  2018 Jun;11(1):1-4. 10.5856/JKDS.2018.11.1.1.

Evaluation of the Midpalatal Suture Maturation in Young Koreans Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

• Kim IS
• Kim HW
• Choi YJ
• Choi WC

• KMID: 2437215
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5856/JKDS.2018.11.1.1

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the ossification and maturation of the midpalatal suture in young Koreans using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study sample consisted of 40 patients with ages from 8.2 to 23.6 years who visited the Department of Orthodontics, Chung-Ang University Dental Hospital. CBCT images were taken for diagnosis. From the CBCT image, morphological stages and Hounsfield units (HU) of midpalatal suture were obtained to evaluate the midpalatal suture maturation. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to analyze relationships between chronological age, morphological stage, and HU. RESULT: There was a wide variation in the morphology of the midpalatal suture in each age group. It showed a modest relationship between the chronological age and the degree of morphological stages. Also there was a modest relationship between the chronological age and HU. In contrast, there was a significant relationship between morphological stages and HU of midpalatal suture (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
CBCT images can be used for the evaluation of midpalatal suture maturation. For the estimation of the prognosis of rapid maxillary expansion, CBCT may be reliable for the assessment of the maturation of the midpalatal suture.

Keyword

Cone-beam computed tomography; Hounsfield units; Midpalatal suture

MeSH Terms

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*
Diagnosis
Humans
Orthodontics
Palatal Expansion Technique
Prognosis
Sutures*