Middle Phalanx of Third Finger and Cervical Vertebrae Maturation Stages

In orthodontics, it is important to assess skeletal maturity in order to determine the favorable time to manage orthodontic-orthopedic cases. Ways to evaluate maturity are being developed up till present in search for simple, low radiation and low cost method. OBJECTIVES: (1) to identify middle phalanx of the third finger (MP3) maturation stages, (2) to identify cervical vertebrae (CV) maturation stages, and (3) to analyze agreement between and MP3 and CV of 10-16 year-old orthodontic patients. METHODS: Skeletal maturity of 72 subjects from Orthodontic Clinic at Dental Faculty, University of Indonesia were assessed by classifying developmental stages of MP3 as seen in a periapical film and CV as seen on a lateral cephalometric film. MP3 was classified into six stages according to Rajagopal and Kansai method. CV was also classified into six as described by Cervical Vertebrae Maturation Index (CVMI). RESULTS: this study showed MP3 and CV maturation stages of both girls and boys at the same age greatly vary. The greatest variation in girls was seen between ages 11-12 years old. Stages of CV for girls at these ages range from CVMI 2 to 5 and MP3 from MP3-F to MP3-H. The greatest variation in boys was seen between ages 13-14 years old. Stages of CV for boys at these ages range from CVMI 2 to 5 and MP3 from MP3-FG to MP3-HI. Data analyses suggested an agreement of 70.8% between MP3 and CV maturation stages. CONCLUSION: maturation stages of MP3 could be used as an alternative method to assess skeletal maturity in orthodontics besides CVMI.