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Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
445
Anterior cranial-base time-related changes: A systematic review.
Mona Afrand1, Connie P Ling1, Siamak Khosrotehrani2
1Postgraduate student, Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Summary
The anterior cranial base shows growth until adulthood, with the presphenoid and cribriform plate being stable after age 7. These areas are best for cranial base superimposition in orthodontic and growth studies.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial development
- Radiographic analysis
Background:
- The anterior cranial base is traditionally viewed as a stable structure for radiographic superimposition.
- Recent research has raised questions regarding its long-term stability.
- Evaluating anterior cranial base stability is crucial for accurate craniofacial growth assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies on anterior cranial base growth and development.
- To assess the methodological quality of existing research.
- To determine the validity and accuracy of the anterior cranial base as a stable reference.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar up to June 2013.
- Hand-searching bibliographies of selected articles to identify additional relevant studies.
- Inclusion of cohort and cross-sectional studies as the lowest evidence levels.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies published between 1955 and 2009 met the inclusion criteria.
- Study sample sizes varied from 28 to 464 subjects.
- The methodological quality of the included studies was rated as moderate to low.
Conclusions:
- Anterior cranial base length increases into adulthood due to remodeling of the sella turcica and forward movement of the nasion.
- The presphenoid and cribriform plate regions demonstrate stability after age 7.
- These stable regions are recommended as optimal areas for cranial base superimposition in radiographic analyses.
