Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Head Posture, Postural Stability, and Fall Risk

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on head posture, postural stability, and fall risk. Materials and Methods A sample of 51 adolescent patients was randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, which consisted of 28 patients (15 females and 13 males), RME was performed as a part of routine orthodontic treatment. The remaining 23 individuals (12 females and 11 males) served as the control group. Lateral cephalometric radiographs taken in natural head position, postural stability, and fall risk scores were obtained during the first visit. They were repeated on average 3.8 months and 3.5 months later for the study and control groups, respectively. The changes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, paired samples t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and independent samples t-test. Results As a result of RME, a statistically significant decrease was detected in the fall risk score (P < 0.05) in the study group, while the head position and postural stability remained unchanged. For the control group, no significant changes were observed in all measurements. Conclusions The result of the present study suggests that RME has a capacity of improving fall risk.