Anatomical study of the maxillary tuberosity using cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the dimensions (width, length, and height) of the maxillary tuberosity (MT) and their correlations with age and sex, and to identify different anatomical types for adequate positioning of miniscrews in this area.

METHODS

The study enrolled 39 patients attending the University of Valencia. The patients comprised 21 males and 18 females with a mean age of 39.7 ± 8.4 years. The dimensions of all 78 MTs were measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using Invivo Dental 5 software.

RESULTS

The intraobserver and interobserver errors were good for all measurements. A total of 858 MT measurements were taken. The widths were greater in men than in women, with significant differences. The MT dimensions showed correlations with patient age, whereby older patients presented with greater widths and lengths, but reduced heights. Three different anatomical types were detected according to patient age.

CONCLUSIONS

The dimensions (width, length, and height) of the MT vary according to patient age and sex. The MT dimensions conform to particular anatomical types, which should be taken into account when placing miniscrews in this region.