Bone density assessment for evaluation of gender differences in cervical vertebral maturation: A computed tomography study

摘要

Introduction: The cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method is a vital tool for assessing the biological maturation of the orthodontic patient to evaluate the amount of mandibular bone growth left. Aim: To assess and visualize the cervical vertebral morphology (bone density) of orthodontic patients of the age group 9,16,27 years. Material and Methods: Twenty four subjects with age group of 9,16,27 who were randomly selected and subjected to 3d tomographic study to estimate the biological age of the orthodontic patients by analyzing c1 c2 and c3 vertebrae. Result: The results showed that bone density of males is lesser than females in 9 and 16 years, whereas they have more bone density than females in 27 years. Conclusion: The study provides qualitative method of assessing the biological age of the patient by using images of cervical vertebrae by three dimensional approach. Hence it can be useful for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plan. KEY WORDS: Bone density, cervical vertebral maturation, gender differences The determining of the proper moment to interfere is a constant pursuit in orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists modulate patient's jaw growth which depends on various factors such as genetics, nutrition, systemic factors, and remaining growth at that point of time. Treatment options are dependent on their physiological maturity and clinical findings. Determination of skeletal age is an essential part of the orthodontic treatment planning. The standard method - skeletal maturity evaluation was assessing the hand-wrist radiograph. However, Lamparski concluded that the cervical vertebrae seen on lateral cephalograms, were as statistically and clinically reliable in assessing the skeletal age as the hand wrist technique.[ 1 ] He found that the cervical vertebrae indicators were same for females and males, but the females showed the changes earlier. He also published an atlas that simulated the morphological changes in cervical vertebrae bodies in puberty and used these changes to evaluate skeletal maturation. In recent years, cervical spine, as visualized on the lateral cephalogram, has been used as an essential tool as a skeletal maturity indicator and as an alternative to hand-wrist radiograph.[ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ] Since assessing them in lateral cephalogram is only - two-dimensional (2D), 3D computed tomography (CT) is advised. The aim of the study is to assess, visualize, and evaluate the cervical vertebral morphology (bone density) of orthodontic patients of age group 9, 16, and 27 years.