Assessment of Pubertal Growth Spurt in Egyptian Adolescents Using Middle Phalanx of the Middle Finger (Mp3) in Alexandria Governorate: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim of this study: to assess the pubertal growth spurt in a group of Alexandria school male adolescents, using the developmental stages of the middle phalanx of the middle finger (MP3), and to evaluate the skeletal maturity age differences between Alexandria male adolescents and other populations. Materials & Methods:A sample of 1100 male students for Alexandria was included in this study with age range from 11 to 16 years was collected. A Radiograph for the middle phalanx of the middle finger by digital dental radiograph for the assessment of MP3 maturation stages was taken for each subject. Results:The MP3-G stage (signifying the peak of pubertal growth spurt) was found with high prevalence in subjects aged >13-14 years with mean of age 13.76 y. Conclusion:1. The mean skeletal maturity age (MP3-G stage) that represents the peak of height velocity (PHV) in Egyptian adolescent males of Alexandria was found to be 13.76 y ± 1.15 years. 2 The newly digital radiography of the MP3 region is definitely an available, simple technique of high clarity, low radiation.