Skeletal Maturity Prediction Using Radiographs of the Medial Phalanx of the Third Finger

Abstract

Introduction:Methods: Children who required a maturity analysis for orthodontic treatment planning were included in&nbsp;</p><p>this study. Cephalometric radiographies were obtained from the clinics of orthodontics. The medial&nbsp;</p><p>phalanges of the third finger (MP3) regions of 150 children (70 males, 80 females) between the ages of 8&nbsp;</p><p>and 18 years (mean = 13.47±3.08) were imaged in pediatric dentistry clinics. For cephalometric and&nbsp;</p><p>periapical images, maturity was assessed using Baccetti et al.’s, and Rajagopal and Kansal’s analyses,&nbsp;</p><p>respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to evaluate associations between skeletal stages&nbsp;</p><p>with significance levels set at p&lt;0.01 and &lt;0.05.</p><p>Findings: There was a significant correlation between cervical vertebrae and MP3 analyses for all groups&nbsp;</p><p>(p&lt;0.001) with the exception of 10-year-old children (r=0.523, p&gt;0.05).</p><p>Conclusion:&nbsp; The MP3 method is a useful tool for the assessment of maturity in children as there is no&nbsp;</p><p>need for special equipment and because of its relatively easy system for determining stages.