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Do changes in spheno-occipital synchondrosis after rapid maxillary expansion affect the maxillomandibular complex?
A Silvestrini-Biavati1, F Angiero, A Gambino
1Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy. armando.silvestrini@tin.it
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|April 20, 2013
Summary
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) significantly alters the spheno-occipital synchondrosis and posterior cranial base. However, these changes do not impact mid-term sagittal or vertical skeletal development.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial development
- Cephalometric analysis
Background:
- Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a common orthodontic treatment.
- The effects of RME on the spheno-occipital synchondrosis are not fully understood.
- Assessing these effects is crucial for understanding long-term skeletal changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in the spheno-occipital synchondrosis one year after RME.
- To determine the influence of these changes on sagittal and vertical skeletal cephalometric variables.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 30 patients undergoing RME (Group 1) was compared to 14 untreated controls (Group 2).
- Cephalometric variables of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis and skeletal parameters were analyzed.
- Statistical analysis (t-test) was used to compare data between groups.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant opening of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis was observed in the RME group.
- An increase in posterior cranial base length (Ba-SOS) was also noted.
- No significant changes in anteroposterior or vertical skeletal parameters were found after one year.
Conclusions:
- RME leads to statistically significant changes in the spheno-occipital synchondrosis and cranial base angle.
- These mid-term modifications do not influence the vertical or sagittal parameters of the maxillomandibular complex.
- Further research may explore longer-term effects.
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