The Frontal Sinus Enlargement as an Indicator of Growth Maturity in Class Iii Patients – a Pilot Study

Background: Diverse indicators have been used to predict growth in children. Skeletal parameters, such as hand wrist bones ossification, have been considered to cause an additional radiation exposure. To avoid such situation, new approaches as the cervical vertebrae maturation have been proposed. Aims & Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate a correlation between the enlargement of the frontal sinus and the body height peak in Angle Class III patients, and whether a sinus peak would serve as an indicator of growth maturity. Material and Methods: 20 Class III female patients were selected. Records of body height and serial lateral cephalograms taken for orthodontic treatment from 7 to 17 years old were used. By using the method of Ertük, the Nasion – Sella line was oriented and the peripheral border of the sinus was traced. The highest (Sh) and the lowest (Sl) points related to S-N line were located. A perpendicular line to Sh-Sl was drawn and the maximum width of the sinus was assessed. Tracings were analyzed and the sinus growth was determined. Results: The frontal sinus enlargement was closely related to body height. One year after the body height peak occurred, the frontal sinus also reached a peak that coincided with the maximum amount of sinus width enlargement. The frontal sinus growth peak velocity was about 1.02mm/yr. Nevertheless, there was a small remaining growth one year after the sinus peak in few cases. Conclusion: Because of the close relationship between the body height growth and the enlargement of frontal sinus during puberty, the frontal sinus development could be used as an indicator of growth maturity. KEY-WORDS: Frontal Sinus Development; Growth Peak; Growth Spurt; Method of Ertük