| Objective. To establish a pattern of mandibular growth and relate it to the stages of cervical vertebral maturation.;Results. The pre-pubertal mandibular growth minimum occurs during cervical stages 1 through 4 (p <+ .7327). Peak mandibular growth occurred most frequently during stage 4 with a statistical difference found, average and delayed groups (p < .0001), advanced group (p =.0143). The average number of years spent in stage 4 was 3.79 years (p<.0001). The average amount of mandibular growth occurring during stage 4 was 9.40min (p < .0001).;Conclusions. The time spent in each cervical stage varies depending on the stage and maturation group. Cervical vertebral maturation stages can not consistently identify the mandibular pre-pubertal growth minimum and therefore, can not predict the onset of the peak in mandibular growth.;Methods. Yearly cephalometric radiographs, ages 9-18, were evaluated for 90 males. Mandibular lengths were measured and incremental growth determined. Cervical vertebral maturation stages were assessed using the 6 stage method. Advanced, average and delayed maturation groups were established. |
