Relationship between cervical vertebral maturation and mandibular growth
Gina Ball1, Donald Woodside, Bryan Tompson
1Discipline of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Cervical vertebral maturation stages do not accurately predict mandibular growth peaks. This study found that while peak mandibular growth velocity often occurs during stage 4, the timing varies, making it unreliable for treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Growth
- Skeletal Maturation
Background:
- Cervical vertebrae are used to assess biologic maturity.
- Understanding mandibular growth patterns is crucial for orthodontic and surgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a pattern of mandibular growth.
- To correlate mandibular growth with cervical vertebral maturation stages.
Main Methods:
- Annual cephalometric radiographs from 90 boys (ages 9-18) were analyzed.
- Mandibular length (articulare to gnathion) and incremental growth were measured.
- Cervical vertebral maturation was assessed using a 6-stage method, categorizing subjects into advanced, average, and delayed groups.
Main Results:
- The prepubertal mandibular growth minimum velocity occurred during cervical stages 1-4.
- Peak mandibular growth velocity was most frequent during stage 4 across all maturation groups.
- Significant variations in time spent per stage and growth amounts were observed, particularly during stage 4.
Conclusions:
- Cervical vertebral maturation stages do not progress annually and vary by individual.
- These stages are insufficient for accurately identifying the prepubertal mandibular growth minimum or predicting peak growth.
- Cervical vertebral maturation should be used alongside other biologic maturity indicators for treatment planning in dentofacial orthopedics and orthognathic surgery.
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