Método objetivo de avaliação da densidade das suturas ósseas envolvidas na expansão rápida da maxila

Abstract

The Rapid Maxillary Expansion (ERM) treatment success is closely related to the maturation of the median palatal suture (SPM) and the circummaxillary sutures that connect the maxilla to the base of the skull, having the zygomaticomaxillary sutures (SZM) and the zygomaticotemporal sutures (SZT). ) prominent influence on orthopedic response. The present study aimed to evaluate the densities of the SPM, SZM and SZT sutures, right and left, through multislice computed tomography (MSCT), in individuals between 7 and 30 years of age, divided into 3 age groups ( 7 to 13; 14 to 20 and 21 to 30 years of age). Tomographic images of 192 participants were evaluated, acquired between 2011 and 2021 and retrieved from a pre-existing database. Suture density scores were determined in Hounsfield Units (HU), within an area corresponding to 1mm in width and length referring to the longest length of each suture. A PMS density cut-off point was determined, using the ROC Curve, at which it would still be possible to perform ERM safely in patients of any age. Sex did not have any relevant effects on the final values of the measurements. The density and length of the sutures showed a significant correlation with age. All sutures had lower density in the central sites than in the adjacent sites (except in the SPM and the left SZT of Group 3). A density of 294.4 HU was established as the cutoff point for performing the ERM.