Three-dimensional densitometric analysis of maxillary sutural changes induced by rapid maxillary expansion

• Published in: Dento-maxillo-facial radiology 2013-02, Vol.42 (2), p.71798010-71798010
• Main Authors: Lione, R, Franchi, L, Fanucci, E, Laganà, G, Cozza, P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon - methods; Adolescent; Bone Density - physiology; Child; Cranial Sutures - diagnostic imaging; Dental Arch - diagnostic imaging; Dentistry; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Male; Malocclusion - diagnostic imaging; Malocclusion - therapy; Maxilla - diagnostic imaging; Multidetector Computed Tomography - methods; Palatal Expansion Technique; Palate - diagnostic imaging; Prospective Studies
• ISSN: 0250-832X; 1476-542X
• DOI: 10.1259/dmfr/71798010

This prospective study evaluated the density of the midpalatal and transverse sutures as assessed by low-dose CT before rapid maxillary expansion (T0), at the end of active expansion (T1) and after a retention period of 6 months (T2). The study sample comprised 17 pre-pubertal subjects (mean age 11.2 years) with constricted maxillary arches. Total amount of expansion was 7 mm in all subjects. Multislice low-dose CT scans were taken at T0, T1 and T2. On the axial CT scanned images six regions of interest (ROIs) were placed along the midpalatal and transverse sutures and two in maxillary and palatal bony areas. Density was measured in Hounsfield units. Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman analysis of variance with post hoc tests were used (p