A differential analysis of sutural and remodeling growth in the human face

Abstract

As shown by bone growth at sutural contact surfaces, the particular bones involved in facial growth undergo a direct displacement away from each other. This growth process brings about a corresponding relocation of the various component parts in each individual bone. As a consequence of such relocation, remodeling adjustments take place simultaneously in order to maintain alignment, proportions, and shape, as well as to bring about compensatory increases in the over-all size of the entire bone relative to the amount of sutural bone growth. The overlay procedure used in the present study enables the worker to separate these growth processes and to visualize and demonstrate the pattern and actual extent of each.