Evaluation of Ricketts' long-range growth prediction in Turkish children.

This study was conducted to evaluate Ricketts' long-range growth prediction in Turkish children. Cephalometric analysis was conducted at baseline and 7 years for 40 children (20 girls, 20 boys) who received no orthodontic treatment. Ricketts' long-range prediction was performed from baseline cephalograms and compared with actual growth 7 years later. Twenty-one cephalometric (12 angular and 9 linear) parameters were measured on actual and predicted tracings. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate relationships between the "predicted" and "actual" measurements. Analysis was conducted on pooled data (males and females) and data by sex. There was a higher level of correlation for growth prediction in girls. Data indicate predictability in boys was greater for maxillary mandibular growth parameters. It was concluded that Ricketts' long-range growth prediction may be helpful in improving treatment planning. Further work on accurate soft tissue and hard tissue growth prediction is indicated.