Análisis de la sutura palatina media 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

Background: Assessing the maturation of the midpalatal suture (MPS) in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is essential when choosing the appropriate maxillary expansion treatment. Angelieri et al. propose an individualized evaluation method based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, which helps avoid complications and treatment failures. Objectives: determine the stages of maturation of the SPM in CBCTs obtained from patients treated at the “Scanner Cuenca” radiological center, Cuenca – Ecuador in the period November 2021 - June 2023 and identify the association between the stage of maturation of the SPM and the clinical-demographic variables. Methodology: 100 CBCTs of individuals between 8 and 77 years of age of both sexes were analyzed. The maturation of the SPM was evaluated using the method of Angelieri et al., categorizing it into five stages. In addition, the sample was classified according to sex, age, cervical vertebral maturation using the Baccetti analysis, facial biotype using the Ricketts coefficient of variation (VERT) and skeletal class applying the Steiner ANB angle. Results: The SPM did not fuse in 32% of cases and 68% presented fusion. The most frequent stages were: stage D followed by E, C, B and A. Additionally, a statistically significant association was found between the stages of SPM maturation, age and cervical vertebral maturation. However, no statistically significant association was observed with sex, skeletal class, and facial biotype