Profile Trait Changes at Peak Height Velocity in Girls and Boys: A Longitudinal Study

Objective This longitudinal, correlational study aims to quantify skeletal and soft tissue facial changes in girls (9.5-10 years) and boys (12.5-13 years) during peak height velocity using lateral cephalograms. It further seeks to determine the strength and nature of associations between specific cephalometric parameters and incremental changes in standing height over defined time intervals. Materials and methods Forty subjects (girls: 9.5-10 years, boys: 12.5-13 years) were recruited through screenings. Lateral cephalograms and standing height measurements were recorded at three time points (T0, T1, T2). Height increments (T1-T0, T2-T1, T2-T0) were analysed. Dolphin 3D software v11.95 (Dolphin Imagine, Verona, Italy) assessed linear and angular cephalometric measurements. Results Height increased by 6.6 cm in girls and 6.9 cm in boys. In girls, standing height correlated significantly with B-Pg to Go-Me reduction (r=0.492, p=0.008, T2-T0), soft tissue chin thickness (r=0.511, p=0.030, T1-T0; r=0.492, p=0.038, T2-T0), and lower lip to chin length (p=0.016, T1-T0). In boys, standing height correlated with upper anterior facial height (r=0.501, p=0.034) and maxillary length (ANS-PNS) (r=0.553, p=0.017, T2-T0). ANB showed a moderate correlation with height (r=0.486, p=0.041, T2-T1), while lower lip to chin length correlated significantly (r=0.516, p=0.029, T1-T0). Conclusion Growth patterns in boys and girls are similar, but boys exhibit more pronounced increases. Significant correlations between cephalometric parameters and standing height were observed.