Comparative evaluation of cervical vertebral maturation assessment with hand and wrist analysis in skeletal maturity

Abstract

Introduction: Assessment of skeletal maturity is paramount for orthodontists since optimal use and effectiveness of orthodontic and orthopedic appliances depends on it. Hence the objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate hand and wrist analysis (H & W) with cervical vertebral maturation indicator (CVMI) method for the assessment of skeletal maturation.

Material and Methods: The study was carried out on seventy one preadolescent Kuwaiti and Emirati patients from both genders between 10-14 years of age. Hand and wrist evaluation was done by Fishman method on the basis of skeletal maturity indicators (SMI’s). Cervical skeletal maturation was analyzed by the method of Hassel and Farman based on the concavity of the lower border, height and shape of vertebral body. Cervical vertebral maturation stages were ascertained.

Results: The study showed significant correlation between both the methods. It was also ascertained that the most frequent stage reporting in this sample according to hand and wrist analysis was stage VII whereas that according to the cervical vertebral maturation indicator method was the stage of deceleration reported at 13 years of age.

Conclusions: The study showed a significant correlation between hand and wrist and cervical vertebral maturation indicator methods for the assessment of skeletal growth status.