Reliability of Growth Indicators and Efficiency of Functional Treatment for Skeletal Class II Malocclusion: Current Evidence and Controversies
Table 3
Description of the stages of the third finger middle phalanx maturation (MPM) method according to Perinetti et al. [37].
Stage description
Attainment
MPS1: epiphysis is narrower than the metaphysis, or epiphysis is as wide as metaphysis but with both tapered and rounded lateral borders. Epiphysis and metaphysis are not fused. Reported as MP3-F [32]
More than 1 year before the onset of the pubertal growth spurt [32] or mandibular growth peak [37]
MPS2: epiphysis is at least as wide as the metaphysis with sides increasing thickness and showing a clear line of demarcation at right angle, either with or without lateral steps on the upper contour. In case of asymmetry between the two sides, the more mature side is used to assign the stage. Reported as SMI2 [35] or as MP3-FG [32]
1 year before the pubertal growth spurt [32] or mandibular growth peak [37]
MPS3: epiphysis is either as wide as or wider than the metaphysis with lateral sides showing an initial capping towards the metaphysis. In case of asymmetry between the two sides, the more mature side is used to assign the stage. Epiphysis and metaphysis are not fused. Reported as SMI6 [35] or as MP3-G [32]
At coincidence of the pubertal growth spurt [32] or mandibular growth peak [37]
MPS4: epiphysis begins to fuse with the metaphysis although contour of the former is still clearly recognizable. The capping may still be detectable. Reported as MP3-H [32]
After the pubertal growth spurt [32] or mandibular growth peak [37]
MPS5: epiphysis is totally fused with the metaphysis. Reported as SMI10 [35] or as MP3-I [32]
