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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Skeletal maturation in obese patients.
Maria Rita Giuca1, Marco Pasini, Simona Tecco
1Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy.
Summary
Obese children exhibit advanced skeletal maturation compared to normal-weight peers, suggesting earlier orthodontic and orthopedic treatment may be necessary for optimal results in pediatric skeletal discrepancies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Obesity is a growing global health concern with potential impacts on overall development.
- Understanding skeletal maturation is crucial for timing orthodontic and orthopedic interventions.
- Previous research has not conclusively determined if obesity affects skeletal maturation relevant to dental treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare skeletal maturation between obese and normal-weight children.
- To determine if obesity influences the optimal timing for orthodontic and orthopedic treatments.
- To test the hypothesis that obese and normal-weight patients exhibit similar skeletal maturation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 50 white patients (25 obese, 25 normal-weight).
- Utilized hand-wrist and lateral cephalometric radiographs.
- Assessed skeletal maturation using carpal analysis and cervical vertebral maturation methods.
Main Results:
- Obese patients showed a significant difference in skeletal versus chronological age (11.8 ± 11.4 months) compared to controls (-2.9 ± 3.1 months).
- Obese subjects had a significantly higher mean cervical vertebral maturation score (2.8 ± 0.7) than controls (2 ± 0.6).
- Results indicate accelerated skeletal maturation in obese children.
Conclusions:
- Obese children demonstrate advanced skeletal maturation compared to normal-weight children.
- A higher cervical vertebral maturation score was observed in obese subjects.
- Earlier orthodontic and orthopedic evaluations and treatments may be beneficial for obese patients with skeletal discrepancies.
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