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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Age Thresholds and Gender Differences in Midpalatal Suture Maturation: A Cross-sectional Observational Study with
Kaijun Gu1, Qiaoqiao Ding2, Yidan Sun1
1Department of Stomatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
Objective:
This study analyzed 3162 CBCT images to explore age and gender features in midpalatal suture (MPS) maturation staging, and identify the statistically significant age threshold for MPS ossification.
Methods:
Axial CBCT sections of 3162 participants (1690 females, 1472 males, aged 3-90 years) were classified into six MPS maturation stages (A, B, C, D1, D2, E) based on Angelieri's criteria. The Youden index defined the diagnostic age threshold for MPS maturation; chi-squared tests assessed correlations between age, gender and stages. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-test and Wilcoxon test analyzed subgroup data distribution similarity, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results:
The optimal age threshold for distinguishing MPS stages A, B, C and D was 11.2 years (males:11.2 years, females:10.75 years), with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Age correlated significantly with MPS maturation (p < 2.2e-16). D2 stage, morphologically intermediate between D1 and E yet distinct, had a significantly different age distribution from both (p < 0.05), warranting independent staging. Adolescents (0-20 years) showed significant gender differences (p < 0.05), with females maturing earlier.
Conclusion:
The critical MPS ossification age threshold is 11.2 years, supporting reduced unnecessary radiological examinations in younger patients. MPS maturation advances with age and is earlier in females, especially in 0-20 years.
