Changes in the midpalatal and pterygopalatine sutures induced by micro-implant-supported skeletal expander, analyzed with a novel 3D method based on CBCT imaging

Progress in Orthodontics

Sanjay M. Mallya¹  Hsin Chuan Pan²  Christoph Moschik²  Ramon Dominguez-Mompell²  Won Moon²  Joseph Miller³  Daniele Cantarella⁴ 

[1] Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Center for Health Science, University of California;Division of Growth and Development, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Center for Health Science, University of California;Division of Integrative Anatomy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Geffen School of Medicine, Center for Health Science, University of California;Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, Center for Health Science, University of California;

关键词: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT);    Midpalatal suture;    Palatal expansion;    Pterygopalatine suture;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40510-017-0188-7

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances have been developed with the aim to enhance the orthopedic effect induced by rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE) is a particular type of MARPE appliance characterized by the presence of four mini-implants positioned in the posterior part of the palate with bi-cortical engagement. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the MSE effects on the midpalatal and pterygopalatine sutures in late adolescents, using high-resolution CBCT. Specific aims are to define the magnitude and sagittal parallelism of midpalatal suture opening, to measure the extent of transverse asymmetry of split, and to illustrate the possibility of splitting the pterygopalatine suture. Methods Fifteen subjects (mean age of 17.2 years; range, 13.9–26.2 years) were treated with MSE. Pre- and post-treatment CBCT exams were taken and superimposed. A novel methodology based on three new reference planes was utilized to analyze the sutural changes. Parameters were compared from pre- to post-treatment and between genders non-parametrically using the Wilcoxon sign rank test. For the frequency of openings in the lower part of the pterygopalatine suture, the Fisher’s exact test was used. Results Regarding the magnitude of midpalatal suture opening, the split at anterior nasal spine (ANS) and at posterior nasal spine (PNS) was 4.8 and 4.3 mm, respectively. The amount of split at PNS was 90% of that at ANS, showing that the opening of the midpalatal suture was almost perfectly parallel antero-posteriorly. On average, one half of the anterior nasal spine (ANS) moved more than the contralateral one by 1.1 mm. Openings between the lateral and medial plates of the pterygoid process were detectable in 53% of the sutures (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the magnitude and frequency of suture opening between males and females. Correlation between age and suture opening was negligible (R 2 range, 0.3–4.2%). Conclusions Midpalatal suture was successfully split by MSE in late adolescents, and the opening was almost perfectly parallel in a sagittal direction. Regarding the extent of transverse asymmetry of the split, on average one half of ANS moved more than the contralateral one by 1.1 mm. Pterygopalatine suture was split in its lower region by MSE, as the pyramidal process was pulled out from the pterygoid process. Patient gender and age had a negligible influence on suture opening for the age group considered in the study.

【 授权许可】

Unknown