Análisis del espacio de la tuberosidad maxilar y sus factores asociados; en tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico obtenidas de pacientes atendidos en el centro radiológico "Scanner Cuenca", Cuenca-Ecuador en el período noviembre 2021 – junio 2023

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the available space for molar distalization of the maxillary tuberosity, and its associated factors, in cone beam computed tomography scans obtained from patients treated at the “Scanner Cuenca” radiological center, Cuenca - Ecuador in the period November 2021 - June 2023. In a total of 50 tomographies, the length and width of the maxillary tuberosity were sagittal and axially measured. In sequence, the association between these dimensions and the clinical - demographic variables was statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test. The dimensions of the tuberosity did not present a statistical association with either the sagittal skeletal class or the vertical growth pattern. A statistically significant association was verified between the length of the tuberosity, measured sagittally at 6mm from the plane projected from the amelocemental junction of the second molar, and age (p=0.045). On the other hand, an association was identified between the width of the tuberosity and sex at 3mm (p=0.047), 4.5mm (p=0.014), 6mm (p=0.005), 7.5mm (p=0.010), and 9mm. (p=0.005), those tuberosities with widths greater than the average were more commonly observed in males. Regarding age, an association was found with the width of the tuberosity measured at 3mm (p=0.035); 4.5mm (p=0.030), and 7.5mm (p=0.035), showing a decreasing trend in width dimensions as age increases. These results suggest that the dimensions of the tuberosity may vary depending on sex and age, therefore, individualized analysis of each patient is important for applying distalization mechanics.