Year : 2016

Volume : Volume 6

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Tahseen Sultana
dr.tahseen7@gmail.com

Abstract

Aim:  Biomarkers have been hailed as a paradigm shift for assessment of skeletal maturity in children and young adolescents.  In this article the aim was to critically appraise the literature with regards to various skeletal maturity indicators with much emphasis on paradigm shift from radiographic methods to non-invasive biomarkers. Materials and Method: Critical review of literature where various skeletal maturity indicators have been used in growth assessment of children and adolescents reported. Results: Most of the studies published showed that skeletal maturation staging can be widely used as an approach to predict timing of pubertal growth, to estimate growth velocity and proportion of growth remaining.  Skeletal growth in mixed and early permanent dentition offers an advantage when growth modification procedures are needed.   Conclusion: Biomarkers mark the new revolution in skeletal maturity assessment.  They are found to be highly correlating with existing method (Cervical vertebrae and Middle phalanx of third finger).   Biomarkers render new possibilities towards non – invasive and simpler methods.

Keywords: Biomarkers, Dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA), Dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEAS), Cervical Vertebrae, Dental maturation, MP3.