Is Cervical Vertebral Maturation a valid predictor of growth?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective, observational study investigating the correlation between Cervical Vertebral Maturation, mandibular length and statural height of treated orthodontic patients.
IRAS ID
63501
Contact name
Jayne E Harrison
Contact email
Research summary
Knowledge of the growth and development of the face and jaws is essential for the comprehensive and successful management of orthodontic patients. It plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment planning, result and overall stability of the patient’s outcome. Several methods have been described to help assess growth potential but often require additional radiographic exposure. Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) uses the size and shape of the vertebrae in the neck to assess and individual patient’s developmental stage. This information is available on a radiograph (lateral cephalogram) which is taken as part of most routine orthodontic diagnosis and therefore easily accessible with no additional exposure to radiation.
This study’s primary objective is to assess if a correlation exists between CVM and statural height growth velocity. Secondary objectives are to assess if a correlation exists between CVM and mandibular growth velocity and to assess if a correlation exists between mandibular and statural height growth velocities.The study will be conducted as a prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study and is anticipated to be completed within a 4 year period. All participants will be enrolled from the non-surgical waiting list at Liverpool University Dental Hospital having been assessed suitable for treatment under the NHS criteria for care. All patients will undergo standard assessment and orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. During the study standard data will be collected at every visit and radiographs taken when clinically necessary. In addition, the patient’s standing height measurement will be recorded and where appropriate plotted.
Funding to conduct the trial will be met from the DDSc research account.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0408
Date of REC Opinion
12 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion