An evaluation of the method of structural growth prediction

The method of structural growth prediction introduced by Björk (1963) was investigated using two sets of lateral cephaiograms of 42 children, taken before and after the pubertal growth period with a four year interval. Growth direction was evaluated on the first cephalogram by eleven different observers, using Björk's anatomical characteristics. The intra- and interobserver reliability for scoring the different structures was acceptable. There was no absolute correlation between the scores for the different criteria and mandibular growth rotation during the four years of observation. This does not mean that the method is useless but, in cases showing relatively small rotational changes, as in this material, the method does not work well. Further study of the structural characteristics is needed in cases showing extreme anterior or posterior growth rotation.