Evaluation of Ricketts' long-range growth prediction in Turkish children

This study was conducted to evaluate Ricketts' long-range growth prediction in Turkish children. Cephalometric analysis was conducted at baseline and 7 years for 40 children (20 girls, 20 boys) who received no orthodontic tre atment. Ricketts' long-range prediction was performed from baseline cephalo grams and compared with actual growth 7 years later. Twenty-one cephalometr ic (12 angular and 9 linear) parameters were measured on actual and predict ed tracings. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate relat ionships between the "predicted" and "actual" measurements. Analysis was co nducted on pooled data (males and females) and data by sex. There was a hig her level of correlation for growth prediction in girls. Data indicate pred ictability in boys was greater for maxillary mandibular growth parameters. It was concluded that Ricketts' long-range growth prediction may be helpful in improving treatment planning. Further work on accurate soft tissue and hard tissue growth prediction is indicated.