Validation of cone beam computed tomography-based classification method for individual assessment of mid-palatal suture with respect to clinical application among Indian children

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to validate the Fernanda Angelieri classification method for the individual assessment of mid-palatal suture among Indian children using multi-slice computed tomography (CT) with respect to clinical application in rapid maxillary expansion. Material and Methods: Present study was conducted utilizing 760 existing head and neck CT image records. CT images were stratified into three categories based on growth spurts: Group I - 6-10 years (n = 210), Group II - 11-14 years (n = 270), and Group III - 15-18 years (n = 280). The CT images were analyzed for stages of mid-palatal suture maturation, according to age and sex. The recorded data were subjected for statistical analysis. Results: Indian children, up to age of 10 years, were distributed in stage A and B. After 11 years, up to 14 years girls showed varied distribution and spread equally among stage B, C, and D. After 15 years, more number of girls were distributed in stage D and E, whereas boys remained distributed variedly in stage B, C, and D. Mid- palatal suture maturational stages correlated to chronological age among both the genders using Fisher exact test and expected contingency table showed statistically significant variation among both the gender independently and collectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based prediction of stages of mid- palatal suture maturation by Fernanda Angelieri is valid among the Indian population. During treatment plan of maxillary expansion among children above 10 years, it is better to have a diagnostic CBCT image analysis of mid-palate suture for predicable prognosis.