Diagnostic value of cervical vertebral maturation stages for midpalatal suture maturation assessment: a study in the Chinese population

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMS) and midpalatal suture maturation stages (MPSMS), and to analyze the diagnostic value of CVMS for the assessment of MPSMS. METHODS: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 233 subjects (8–20 years) were selected. The CVMS was determined using the McNamara and Franchi method, while the MPSMS was evaluated using the Angelieri method. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the results, and positive likelihood ratios were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic value of CVMS in identifying MPSMS. RESULTS: Spearman rank correlation results showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.867, P < 0.001) between CVMS and MPSMS. The positive likelihood ratios of CS12, CS4, and CS56 for the identification of stages AB, C, and DE were 12.17, 7.64, and 7.79, respectively. The values of the positive likelihood ratios of the other groups were less than five. CONCLUSION: CS12 of the CVMS can be used as a reliable indicator for the assessment of MPSMS stage AB. From CVMS stage 4 forward, midpalatal suture maturation should be evaluated using CBCT.