In vivo methods for evaluating human midpalatal suture maturation and ossification: An updated review

The aim of this study was to perform an updated review of the in vivo methods to evaluate human midpalatal suture maturation and ossification, since this evaluation process remains an unsolved and critical problem in orthodontic treatment.

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched up to November 30, 2021. Literature selection was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, 2020 Edition) statement and was based on predetermined inclusion criteria. The overall and methodological characteristics of the selected studies were collected. The risk of bias was evaluated mainly through inter- and intra-evaluator agreement outcomes reported in each study. As there was a high heterogeneity among methodological studies, meta-analysis of the included studies was not applicable, and results were analysed descriptively.

Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Maxillary occlusal radiograph and computed tomography (CT), especially cone beam CT (CBCT), were reported. The occlusal radiograph is not adequate for evaluating the status of midpalatal suture maturation, and has been replaced by CBCT. Qualitative and quantitative CBCT evaluation methods provide limited evidence; however, opinions differ regarding the efficacy of these methods.

For midpalatal suture maturation and ossification status evaluation, evidence for the current methods is still limited. Further methodological studies should use image information comprehensively and provide verification evidence on larger samples.