Correlação entre os estágios de maturação da sutura palatina mediana e das vértebras cervicais

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, the assessment of maturation of the midpalatal suture (MPSM) in patients who need to undergo rapid maxillary expansion is performed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). However, additional doses of radiation are induced to the patient for the acquisition of this exam. Objective: To correlate the stages of MPSM with the stages of maturation of the cervical vertebrae (CVM). Material and methods: A total of 268 CBCT of the head and neck of individuals of both sexes and aged between 5 and 76 years were analyzed blindly by a single examiner. The MPSM stage was assessed by observing the maxilla in the axial view and was classified as A, B, C, D or E. On the other hand, the CVM stage was assessed in the sagittal view of the cervical vertebrae and was classified as CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5 or CS6. Intraexaminer agreement was analyzed using the Kappa coefficient. Spearman's Correlation test was used to assess the correlation between MPSM and CVM stages Results: A strong positive correlation was found between MPSM and CVM stages. Stages A and B showed correlation with stages CS1, CS2 and CS3. Differently, stage C correlated more frequently with stages CS4 and CS5. Finally, stages D and E were more frequent in individuals in stages CS5 and CS6, similarly. Conclusion: The prediction of MPSM by assessing CVM in lateral cephalograms seems to be a viable alternative to the sutural evaluation in CBCT in patients in stages CS1, CS2 and CS3. From the CS4 stage onwards, a CBCT is recommended to assess the MPSM stage and define the most adequate expansion modality for patients.