Accuracy of age estimation using cervical vertebral maturation index and demirjian's method: A comparative study

Abstract

Dental age estimation is considered to be vital, as tooth development shows less variability than other developmental features. But in case of missing tooth it is not possible to estimate chronological age using dental age estimation methods. So there should be an alternate method for age estimation. The cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI) is one of the easiest and most commonly used skeletal maturity indices. Aim of this study is to check the accuracy of age estimation using CVMI and Demirjian's method with chronological age. It is a comparative study to check the accuracy of age estimation using Demirjians method and CVMI method with chronological age among Kannur population, of age range between 10-16 years. 100 panoramic radiographs and 100 lateral cephalograms of same patient were assessed using Demirjians and CVMI method respectively. The results were compared with chronological age and the data were analyzed. p value was less than 0.0001. The mean age difference for total sample using Demirjians method is -0.20+/-0.048 and using CVMI method is 0.63+/-0.08. In the age group of 15-16 years using CVMI method the mean difference is 1.34 +/- 0.09 and the p value is <0.934 which is not statistically significant. Pearson correlation coefficient shows good correlation value for total samples. The correlation between Demirjians and Chronologic age is 0.972 and CVMI with Chronologic age is 0.919. Demirjians method is better & preferred method for estimation of chronological age. But if need arises CVMI can efficiently replace the Demirjians method till the age of 14 years.