Research Information System
HEAD & FACE MEDICINE, vol.21, no.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Background This study aimed to evaluate the effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) groups on midpalatal suture (MPS). Methods CBCT records who underwent RME and SARME between 2013 and 2024 were included in the study. CBCT axial sections taken preoperatively (T0) and after a 3-month retention period (T1) were evaluated using the MPS. Fractal Analysis (FA) method using the ImageJ program and compared between the groups. Results 9 patients underwent SARME (%37.5) and 15 patients underwent RME (%62.5). FA values of the SARME and RME groups at T0 were found to be 1.02 +/- 1.17 and 1.46 +/- 0.09, respectively. FA values of the SARME and RME groups at T1 were found to be 0.98 +/- 1.08 and 1.32 +/- 0.08, respectively. The difference between T1 and T0 in the SARME and RME groups was 0.02 +/- 0.09 and 0.34 +/- 0.08, respectively. When FA differences were compared between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found. (p > 0.05) Conclusion The potential effect of increasing retention time on the clinical recovery process has been clarified. In patients who underwent RME and SARME, after 3 months of retention, MPS density decreased compared to the initial density. The findings suggest that increasing the retention time in both RME and SARME groups for increased ossification. FA provides a useful method for evaluating skeletal effects of RME and SARME.