Adolescent Height Research Articles

Height and body mass index distribution in children and adolescents with and without spina bifida

ObjectiveChildren with spina bifida (SB) are at risk for stunting and overweight. However, height and Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score distribution in children and adolescents with SB are unclear. The aim of this study was to examine height and BMI z-score distribution in Brazilian children and adolescents with and without SB. This study further aimed to examine whether height and BMI z-scores differ between individuals with and without SB. MethodThis study included 101 participants (SB: n = 18; non-SB: n = 83, aged 7–16 years). The World Health Organization (WHO) AnthroPlus software was used to calculate height and BMI z-scores. AnthroPlus z-score distribution graphs were used to examine individual z-scores based on the 2007 WHO normal distribution curve. Effects of the group (SB vs non-SB) on height and BMI z-scores were examined with sequential regression. ResultsIn the WHO distribution graph analysis, height z-scores of participants with SB were slightly left-shifted compared to the WHO normal distribution curve. In the regression analysis, group (SB vs non-SB) was a significant predictor of height z-scores after controlling for sex and age (ΔR2 = 0.064, p = 0.010). BMI z-scores of participants with SB were right-shifted compared to the WHO normal curve. However, there was no contribution of the group to BMI z-scores (ΔR2 = 0.011, p = 0.301). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Brazilian children and adolescents with SB may be at risk for reduced height and increased BMI.

Secular trends and spatial network effect on the height of Chinese adult adolescents from 1985 to 2019.

To understand the distribution and secular trends of Chinese adult boys and girls and investigate their spatial network effects and determinants of spatial network effects. Our study extracted data of 18-year-old boys and 17-year-old girls in China from the national students fitness and health survey reports in 1985, 2000, 2010, and 2019. A total of 89 839 participants were selected. The growth range and growth rate in each period were calculated. A neighborhood relationship network was created to share the common boundary. During the period 1985-2019, the average height of Chinese 18-year-old boys increased from 168.19 to 172.14 cm, and that of 17-year-old girls increased from 156.97 to 160.17 cm (all p trend <.05). Both boys and girls showed significant correlations in first- and second-level neighbors (all p < .05) with the most significant correlations in first-level neighbors (all p < .001). But there were no significant correlations in third-level neighbors. Height of girls and boys in each region was correlated with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, urbanization rate, population density, longitude, and latitude. After controlling for factors with significance, only the initial regional height of girls in 2000 was positively correlated with first level neighborhood (p < .05). Since 1985, the heights of Chinese boys aged 18 and girls aged 17 have been increasing and the increases accelerated. Height is related to nearer neighbors. After controlling GDP per capita, urbanization rate, population density, longitude and latitude, the correlations has almost disappeared.

Height and Growth Velocity in Children and Adolescents Undergoing Obesity Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Pediatric obesity affects endocrine conditions, which may alter growth. This work aimed to investigate the effect of obesity severity and obesity treatment outcome on growth. This prospective cohort study included children (aged 3-18 years) enrolled in the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register (BORIS) (1998-2020). Obesity was categorized as class I and class II obesity. Obesity treatment outcome was measured as body mass index (BMI) z score changes and categorized into good (BMI z score reduction of ≥0.25), intermediate, and poor (increasing BMI z score). Height for age z score, final height, and growth velocity were compared between class I and class II obesity. Further, the effect of obesity treatment outcome on growth velocity during 2-year follow-up was assessed. A total of 27 997 individuals (mean age 10.2 ± 3.6 years) were included. Individuals with class II obesity were on average taller than those with class I obesity during childhood. Among males, reduced growth spurt was observed in class I obesity, and even absent in class II obesity. Females exhibited a similar but less pronounced pattern. Good obesity treatment outcome yielded lower growth velocity at ages 3 to 9 years but higher growth velocity at ages 10 to 13 years compared to poor treatment outcome. Obesity severity is positively associated with height and growth velocity in childhood. A hampered growth spurt during puberty should be anticipated, particularly in adolescents with severe obesity. Therefore no difference in final height between class I and class II obesity is expected. Successful obesity treatment does not harm, but rather normalizes, the growth velocity pattern.

Effect of arthroscopic discopexy on condylar growth in adolescents with temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction: A retrospective self-controlled case series study

This study was a retrospective self-controlled study that aimed to evaluate the effect of arthroscopic discopexy on condylar height and mandibular position in adolescents with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR).Patients between 10 and 20 years of age and diagnosed with bilateral TMJ ADDwoR by magnetic resonance image (MRI) were included in this study. All patients underwent a period of natural course before arthroscopic surgery and then a follow-up period postoperatively. Changes in condylar height and mandibular position were measured by MRI and X-ray radiographs. Data were analyzed by paired t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and generalized estimating equations.This study comprised a total of 40 patients with a mean age of 14.80 years. Pearson correlation analysis showed correlations between condylar height and mandibular position changes. The condylar height change during the post-operative period was significantly higher than that during natural course period (3.57 mm, p < 0.001). The changes in mandibular position (including ANB angle, SNB angle, and Pog-Np) were significant different (all p < 0.05) between the two periods.This study found that arthroscopic discopexy can promote condylar growth and correct dentofacial deformity in adolescents with bilateral TMJ ADDwoR.

Weight and disordered eating among adolescents from low-income backgrounds

Disordered eating affects youth from varying socioeconomic backgrounds; however, representation of youth from low-income backgrounds within disordered eating research has been limited. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between adolescent weight and disordered eating among a sample of youth from a low-income background and to examine specific socioenvironmental factors that might moderate this association. Adolescents ages 12–17 (N = 73) from a low-income background and their parents/guardians completed self-report questionnaires. Adolescent height and weight were objectively measured to calculate BMI z-score. Adolescent weight was significantly positively associated with global disordered eating (95 % CI [0.26, 0.54]), after controlling for sex. Parental weight concern moderated the association between weight and global disordered eating, F(4, 68) = 18.44, p < .01, such that the relation between adolescent zBMI and disordered eating was no longer significant at low levels of parental weight concern. Structured family meals moderated the association between weight and global disordered eating, F(4, 68) = 11.99, p < .01, such that more frequent meals weakened the association between adolescent zBMI and disordered eating. Findings suggest that higher weight is associated with greater levels of disordered eating among adolescents from a low-income background. In addition, lower levels of parental weight concern and more frequent family meals significantly buffered the association between weight and disordered eating in this at-risk, yet understudied population. Both parental weight concern and family meals present as factors within the family environment that may serve as targets for intervention.

Is There an Association between BMI, Height, and Gender and Long-Bone Fractures during Childhood and Adolescence? A Large Cross-Sectional Population Study of 911,206 Subjects

Introduction: Traumatic long-bone fractures (TLFs) among children and adolescents are relatively common, with morbidity and economic consequences. Obesity has become a significant global concern. Studies have found an association between TLFs and BMI in the past but not in a large cross-sectional population study. Our study objective was to measure the incidence of TLFs in the 17-year-old general population and evaluate its association with BMI, body height, and gender. Methods: Data from a medical database containing all 17-year-old candidates’ records before recruitment into mandatory military service were retrieved as BMI, height, gender, and history of TLFs. Logistic regression models assessed the association between BMI and height to TLFs. Results: The records of 911,206 subjects (515,339 males) were reviewed. In total, 9.65% had a history of TLFs (12.25% and 6.25% for males/females, respectively). Higher BMI was associated with TLF, with a linear trend in the odds ratio (OR) for having TLFs. The strongest association was found between obese females and TLFs (OR = 1.364, p &lt; 0.0001). Height was an independent factor positively associated with TLFs. The OR for a TLF in the highest height quintile was 1.238 (p &lt; 0.001) for males and 1.411 (p &lt; 0.001) for females compared to the lowest quintile. Although TLFs were more common in males, the OR for TLFs was more prominent in females. Conclusions: There is an association between BMI, body height, and TLFs in healthy adolescents. TLFs are more common in males, but the strongest association between overweight and obesity is evident in females.

DIFFERENCES IN THE CONTRIBUTION OF EACH LOWER LIMB IN THE DROP VERTICAL JUMP TASK SHOULD BE ASSESSED IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT-INJURED PAEDIATRIC POPULATION

To investigate differences in the drop vertical jump height in female adolescents with an ACL injury and healthy controls and the contribution of each limb in this task. Forty female adolescents with an ACL injury (ACLi, 15.2 ± 1.4 yrs, 164.6 ± 6.0 cm, 63.1 ± 10.0 kg) and thirty-nine uninjured (CON, 13.2 ± 1.7 yrs, 161.7 ± 8.0 cm, 50.6 ± 11.0 kg) were included in this study. A 10-camera infrared motion analysis system (Vicon, Nexus, Oxford, UK) tracked pelvis, thigh, shank, and foot kinematics at 200Hz, while the participants performed 3 trials of double-legged drop vertical jumps (DVJ) on two force plates (Bertec Corp., Columbus, USA) sampled at 2000Hz.The maximum jump height normalised by dominant leg length was compared between groups using independent samples t-test. The maximum vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) and sagittal ankle, knee and hip velocities before take-off were compared between limbs in both groups, using paired samples t-test. The normalised jump height was 11% lower in the ACLi than in the CON (MD=0.04 cm, p=0.020). In the ACLi, the maximum GRFz (MD=46.17N) and the maximum velocities of ankle plantar flexion (MD=79.83°/s), knee extension (MD=85.80°/s), and hip extension (MD=36.08°/s) were greater in the non-injured limb, compared to the injured limb. No differences between limbs were found in the CON.ACL injured female adolescents jump lower than the healthy controls and have greater contribution of their non-injured limb, compared to their injured limb, in the DVJ task. Clinicians should investigate differences in the contribution between limbs during double-legged drop vertical jump when assessing patients with an ACL injury, as this could help identify asymmetries, and potentially improve treatment, criteria used to clear athletes to sport, and re-injury prevention.

Diminishing benefits of urban living for children and adolescents’ growth and development

Optimal growth and development in childhood and adolescence is crucial for lifelong health and well-being1–6. Here we used data from 2,325 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight from 71 million participants, to report the height and body-mass index (BMI) of children and adolescents aged 5–19 years on the basis of rural and urban place of residence in 200 countries and territories from 1990 to 2020. In 1990, children and adolescents residing in cities were taller than their rural counterparts in all but a few high-income countries. By 2020, the urban height advantage became smaller in most countries, and in many high-income western countries it reversed into a small urban-based disadvantage. The exception was for boys in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in some countries in Oceania, south Asia and the region of central Asia, Middle East and north Africa. In these countries, successive cohorts of boys from rural places either did not gain height or possibly became shorter, and hence fell further behind their urban peers. The difference between the age-standardized mean BMI of children in urban and rural areas was <1.1 kg m–2 in the vast majority of countries. Within this small range, BMI increased slightly more in cities than in rural areas, except in south Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and some countries in central and eastern Europe. Our results show that in much of the world, the growth and developmental advantages of living in cities have diminished in the twenty-first century, whereas in much of sub-Saharan Africa they have amplified.

Adequacy of energy and macronutrients intake in differently active Slovenian adolescents

ObjectiveEvaluate the adequacy of energy/macronutrient intake in adolescents according to the Slovenian national recommendations adopted from the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society and to identify differences in energy/macronutrient intake between differently active adolescents.MethodsData on energy and macronutrient intake (24-hour dietary recall), physical activity (SHAPES questionnaire), and anthropometric characteristics (body mass and height) of adolescents were obtained on a representative sample of first-year secondary school students (average (SD) age: 15.3 (0.5) years; N = 341), who were included in the national survey The Analysis of Children’s Development in Slovenia (ACDSi) in 2013/14.Results75% of adolescents met the national recommendations for carbohydrates and proteins and 44% for fats, whereas only 10% of adolescents met the recommendations for energy intake. Energy/macronutrient intakes were significantly higher in vigorously physically active (VPA) boys compared to moderately (MPA) and less (LPA) physically active boys. No such differences were observed between girls of different physical activity levels.ConclusionAdolescents need to be encouraged to meet their energy needs according to gender and physical activity (especially VPA girls) and to reach for higher quality foods in adequate macronutrient proportions.

Is early or late biological maturation trigger obesity? A machine learning modeling research in Turkey boys and girls.

Biological maturation status can affect individual differences, sex, height, body fat, and body weight in adolescents and thus may be associated with obesity. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between biological maturation and obesity. Overall, 1,328 adolescents (792 boys and 536 girls) aged 12.00 ± 0.94-12.21 ± 0.99 years, respectively (measured for body mass, body stature, sitting stature). Body weights were deter-mined with Tanita body analysis system and adolescent obesity status was calculated according to the WHO classification. Biological maturation was determined according to the somatic maturation method. Our results showed that boys mature 3.077-fold later than girls. Obesity was an increasing effect on early maturation. It was determined that being obese, overweight and healthy-weight increased the risk of early maturation 9.80, 6.99 and 1.81-fold, respectively. The equation of the model predicting maturation is: Logit (P) = 1/(1 + exp. (- (-31.386 + sex-boy * (1.124) + [chronological age = 10] * (-7.031) + [chronological age = 11] * (-4.338) + [chronological age = 12] * (-1.677) + age * (-2.075) + weight * 0.093 + height * (-0.141) + obesity * (-2.282) + overweight * (-1.944) + healthy weight * (-0.592)))). Logistic regression model predicted maturity with 80.7% [95% CI: 77.2-84.1%] accuracy. In addition, the model had a high sensitivity value (81.7% [76.2-86.6%]), which indicates that the model can successfully distinguish adolescents with early maturation. In conclusion, sex and obesity are independent predictors of maturity, and the risk of early maturation is increased, especially in the case of obesity and in girls.

Bone Age Estimation and Prediction of Final Adult Height Using Deep Learning.

The appropriate evaluation of height and accurate estimation of bone age are crucial for proper assessment of the growth status of a child. We developed a bone age estimation program using a deep learning algorithm and established a model to predict the final adult height of Korean children. A total of 1678 radiographs from 866 children, for which the interpretation results were consistent between two pediatric endocrinologists, were used to train and validate the deep learning model. The bone age estimation algorithm was based on the convolutional neural network of the deep learning system. The test set simulation was performed by a deep learning program and two raters using 150 radiographs and final height data for 100 adults. There was a statistically significant correlation between bone age interpreted by the artificial intelligence (AI) program and the reference bone age in the test set simulation (r=0.99, p<0.001). In the test set simulation, the AI program showed a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.59 years and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.55 years, compared with reference bone age, and showed similar accuracy to that of an experienced pediatric endocrinologist (rater 1). Prediction of final adult height by the AI program showed an MAE of 4.62 cm, compared with the actual final adult height. We developed a bone age estimation program based on a deep learning algorithm. The AI-derived program demonstrated high accuracy in estimating bone age and predicting the final adult height of Korean children and adolescents.

Regional variation in growth status: A cross-sectional survey among Tibetan adolescents living at three different high altitudes in Tibet, China.

To explore the regional and age variation in growth status and age-by-site interaction effect on the growth status among Chinese Tibetan adolescents at different altitudes in Tibet, China. The research was conducted in three regions of Tibet, China: Nyingchi (average altitude 3100 m), Lhasa (average altitude 3650 m), and Nagqu (average altitude 4500 m). A total of 3817 Chinese Tibetan adolescents aged 12-18 years were tested for height, weight, chest circumference, and waist circumference. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the growth status of Chinese Tibetan adolescents. Two-way ANOVA was used to explore the age-by-site interaction effect on the growth status of Chinese Tibetan adolescents. The height, weight, and chest circumference of Chinese Tibetan adolescents in Nagqu are the lowest among the three cities. Age and site have an interaction effect influence on the growth status of Chinese Tibetan adolescents (p < .01). The growth indicators (height, weight, chest circumference, WC) of Chinese Tibetan adolescents differed with altitudes. Policies to improve the growth status of Chinese Tibetan adolescents in Nagqu are urgently needed.

Comparative analysis of the growth and development differences of children and adolescents between developed and undeveloped urban and rural areas in China.

Our study use the height and weight data of Chinese students aged 7-18 years from 1985 to 2014 to investigate the inequality and changing trend of height and weight of children and adolescents in different regions. Our study extracted data from the 1985, 2000, and 2014 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) for a comparative analysis of the height and weight of children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in a developed city (Shanghai) and an underdeveloped province (Guizhou). The coefficients of variation (CVs) of height and weight between urban and rural boys and girls were also calculated. Since 1985, the height difference between urban and rural areas has decreased from 4.24 to 2.41 cm for boys and 3.72 to 1.99 cm for girls. The weight difference for boys and girls increased from 1.83 to 3.10kg and from 0.97 to 1.80 kg, respectively. However, from 1985 to 2014, the height and weight differences between Shanghai and Guizhou increased. In addition, from 1985 to 2014, the coefficient of height variation was greater for rural students than urban students while the coefficient of weight variation was greater for urban students than rural students. Although the difference between urban and rural areas has recently decreased, the difference between developed area (Shanghai) and underdeveloped area (Guizhou) has increased. In particular, the difference in height and weight between children in developed areas (Shanghai) and non-developed areas (Guizhou) has become larger since 1985-2014, rather than gradually decreasing over time.

Factors contributing to stress amongst adolescents in Colombo District, Sri Lanka: A cross sectional study

Introduction: In Sri Lanka, adolescents comprise 16.1% of the population. Stress during adolescence may impact maturation of emotional and cognitive capabilities. The objective of the study is to determine the psychosocial factors and other factors that contribute to stress amongst adolescents aged 14 to 16 years living in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents aged 14 - 16 years (n = 331) from randomly selected schools in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect baseline socioeconomic data. Baseline anthropometric measurements of height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Adolescent stress was assessed by using the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ). Results: In the current study, 179 (54.1%) adolescents were males. The mean ages of male and female adolescents and their social characteristics were similar. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean height (p&lt;0.001) and mean weight (p&lt;0.001) of male adolescents when compared with female adolescents. The mean total stress scores of female and male adolescents were similar (p = 0.063). The mean score of stress of home life of female adolescents was significantly higher than male adolescents (p&lt;0.001). The mean score of stress of school attendance was significantly higher among male adolescents than female adolescents (p = 0.012). Conclusions &amp; recommendations: Both male and female adolescents experience considerable stress. Measures to overcome preventable stressors should be implemented at school and at home by parents, teachers and education administrators.

Impact of anastrozole use on the prediction of final height in male adolescents: a retrospective cohort

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the use of anastrozole (ANZ) in monotherapy or associated with growth hormone (GH) in the predicted of final height (PFH) and nearfinal height (NFH) of male adolescents with PEF below target familiar height (TH). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort. Data were obtained from medical records in a pediatric endocrinology service. Results: 75 patients between 11 and 14 years old participated in this cohort. Treatment with ANZ occurred for 1 year in 38.7%, 2 years in 40.0%, and 3 years in 21.3%. 76.0% used GH+ANZ, and 24.0% ANZ alone. TH and PFH at different treatment times showed a statistically significant difference, regardless of the use or not of GH. The ANZ group alone showed a mean increase of 5.73cm, 7.60cm, and 7.15cm in predicted height after 1, 2, and 3 years of ANZ. In the GH+ANZ group, this increase was 6.82cm, 10.27cm, and 7.44cm. Twenty-seven patients reached NFH, and in these, we observed a statistically significant increase concerning baseline PFH of 4.68 cm in the total group and 5.55 cm in the GH+ANZ group. Conclusions: The use of ANZ effectively increased PFH and NFH in adolescents with PFH below TH. However, the subgroup with concomitant use of GH had better outcomes.

Nutrition, Body Composition, and Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

We aimed to investigate the association between nutrition and blood pressure and the role that body composition plays in this relationship. Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from the years 2008–2020 were reviewed. A total of 11,234 subjects (5974 boys and 5260 girls) aged 10–18 years of age were selected. We analyzed the correlation between nutrition (intakes of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, saturated fatty acid (SFA), unsaturated fatty acid (USFA), and dietary fiber (DF)) and body composition (height, weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and waist to height ratio (WHtR)), and performed multiple regression analysis to find the independent correlation between body composition and blood pressure (BP). We then compared the correlation between nutrition and BP, with or without adjustment for body composition. The intakes of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, and USFA had positive associations with height, weight, WC, and BMI. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were independently positively correlated with height and BMI. The intakes of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, and SFA had positive correlations with SBP and DBP, which disappeared when additionally adjusted for BMI and height. In conclusion, nutrition seems to affect BP via height and BMI in Korean children and adolescents.

Association between height growth patterns in puberty and stature in late adolescence: A longitudinal analysis in chinese children and adolescents from 2006 to 2016.

IntroductionThe relationship between the characteristics of puberty growth and the stature (height and overweight and obesity) in late adolescence was not clear. We aimed to explore the effects of puberty growth patterns on the stature in late adolescence.MethodsA total of 13,143 children from a longitudinal cohort from 2006 to 2016 in Zhongshan city of China were included. The Preece–Baines growth curve was fitted for each individual child, and the age at peak height velocity (APHV), peak height velocity (PHV), and age at take-off (TOA) were obtained from the Preece–Baines model. To compare the difference in height in late adolescence (at 18 years old) at different pubertal height growth patterns (height spurt timing, intensity, and duration), the height at baseline was matched by using the propensity score matching. The log-binomial model was applied to assess the association between the three pubertal height growth patterns (timing, intensity, and duration) and overweight and obesity status in late adolescence, controlling the urbanity and body mass index (BMI) at baseline.ResultsAfter matching the baseline height, boys and girls in three pubertal patterns with early timing (P < 0.01), small intensity (P < 0.01), and short duration (P < 0.01) of height spurt had the lowest final height in the late adolescence. A 16% increase and 45% increase of risk for overweight and obesity were significantly associated with the early APHV in boys and girls, respectively, relative risk (RR) in boys, 1.16(95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03–1.30), P = 0.011; RR in girls, 1.45(1.21–1.75), P < 0.001. A 21% increase and 59% increase of risk for overweight and obesity were significantly associated with small PHV in boys and girls, respectively, RR in boys, 1.21(1.07–1.36), P < 0.001; RR in girls, 1.59(1.30–1.95), P < 0.001; and an 80% increase of risk for overweight and obesity with small spurt duration in girls (RR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.49, 2.18; P < 0.001).ConclusionPubertal growth patterns, including earlier puberty onset timing, smaller puberty intensity, and shorter puberty spurt duration, had a positive association with lower height risks and higher overweight and obesity risks in late adolescence.

Poster 202: Patellar Stabilization Procedures Not Performed to Address Alta Decrease Patellar Height

Poster 202: Patellar Stabilization Procedures Not Performed to Address Alta Decrease Patellar Height

Changes in Anatomic Risk Factors for Patellar Instability During Skeletal Growth and Maturation

Background: Several anatomic risk factors have been identified in the pathogenesis of patellofemoral instability. The literature is sparce regarding how these anatomic risk factors change during skeletal growth and development. Hypothesis: The anatomic risk factors associated with patellar instability change significantly during skeletal growth and maturation with different patterns in male versus female patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging data from 240 unique, asymptomatic knees (7-18 years of age; 50% female) were used to measure patellar height (Caton-Deschamps index), lateral patellar tilt angle, trochlear height, trochlear groove depth, trochlear sulcus angle, and tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Linear regression was used to test the associations between age and anatomic findings. Two-way analysis of variance with Holm-Šídák post hoc test was used to compare anatomic characteristics between sexes in 3 age groups: prepubertal school-aged children (7-10 years old), early adolescents (11-14 years old), and late adolescents (15-18 years old). Results: Patellar height (female sex), lateral patellar tilt angle (male sex), and trochlear sulcus angle (both sexes) decreased with age (P < .001). Trochlear height, depth, and TT-TG distance increased with age in both male and female participants (P < .02). Male participants had a larger sulcus angle (by 5.3°± 1.6° at age 11-14 years) and greater trochlear height (by >5 mm across medial, central, and lateral regions at age 15-18 years) than age-matched female participants (P < .01). We found no other sex-related differences in quantified anatomic features (P > .1). Conclusion: The findings partially support our hypothesis indicating significant age-related changes in all quantified features, which were not different between male and female participants except for trochlear sulcus angle in early adolescence and trochlear height in late adolescence. In general, the majority of anatomic risk factors for patellar instability change with maturity in a direction that assists in reducing the risk of patellar instability and/or dislocation. The only outlier is the TT-TG distance, which increased by age, and in our oldest cohort of patients, the mean fell below the normal adult range. The current observations highlight the importance of age in the interpretation of risk for injury as well as the need for further studies to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may result in abnormal development of these anatomic features during skeletal growth and maturation.

Assessment of alveolar bone height in adolescents utilizing Cone Beam Computed Tomography: a retrospective radiographic analysis

Background: To assess the alveolar bone crest level (ABCL) by Cone Beam Computed To-mography (CBCT) and to investigate several variables as predictors for the height of the alveolar bone in adolescents. Materials and methods: Age, sex, and ethnic groups were rec-orded for each patient. CBCT images were used to obtain measurements of the interproximal alveolar bone level from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar crest. The highest measurement in each sextant was recorded along with any presence of a vertical bone defect or calculus. Results: Total of 720 measurements were recorded for 120 subjects. No vertical bony defects or calculus were observed radiographically. Statistically significant (P&lt; 0.05) differences were observed between ABCL measurements of males as compared to females, posterior teeth compared to anterior teeth and maxillary sextants in comparison to man-dibular ones. Additionally, value of ABCL significantly increased in relation to sex (r=0.309), maxillary posterior (r=0.509) and mandibular posterior sextants (r=0.506). Linear regression analysis indicated that the latter variables can predict the height of marginal bone, other independent variables were considered redundant. Conclusions: There was a low-profile of marginal bone loss among adolescents. Male sex, posterior teeth, and maxillary teeth have higher tendency for decreasing alveolar bone height.