Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the zygomatico-maxillary suture fusion (ZMSF) from preadolescence to young adulthood.
Methods: 573 subjects (283 males, 290 females; age range, 6–18 years) were divided into 26 groups based on...
Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the zygomatico-maxillary suture fusion (ZMSF) from preadolescence to young adulthood.
Methods: 573 subjects (283 males, 290 females; age range, 6–18 years) were divided into 26 groups based on sex and age. Three-dimensional computed tomography images were reconstructed and oriented using ON3D software (3DONS). The cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI) and ZMSF stages were identified using 6-stage and 5-stage scoring systems, respectively. The distributions of CVMI stage and ZMSF stage in each group were statistically analyzed.
Results: Compared to males, females reached the onset (CVMI stage-2, ZMSF stage-2), middle (CVMI stage-4, ZMSF stage-3), and completion (CVMI stage-6, ZMSF stage-5) stages earlier and within a narrower range, implying faster skeletal maturation. Strong positive correlations between age and CVMI stage (rs =0.928, rs =0.907), age and ZMSF stage (rs =0.908, rs =0.914), and CVMI stage and ZMSF stage (rs =0.926, rs =0.931) (all P < 0.001) were observed in both males and females. The mean ages at ZMSF stage-3 and stage-4 (11.9–14.7 years for males, 9.7–12.6 years for females) may suggest the peak of pubertal growth. Regression equations for ZMSF stage (y), age (a), and CVMI stage (b) were y = -0.508 + (0.169×a) + (0.509×b) + (-0.006×ab) for males (r²=0.889) and y = -1.227 + (0.285×a) + (0.804×b) + (-0.034×ab) for females (r²=0.914). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses showed that increases in age and advancement in CVMI stage were associated with more advanced ZMSF stages, which supports the view that ZMSF follows the general skeletal maturation curve.
Conclusion: The ZMSF stages might be an effective guide for predicting the likelihood of successful maxillary protraction therapy in Class III patients with maxillary hypoplasia.