American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The appearance of the third finger's proximal phalanx is a specific developmental milestone in the assessment of skeletal maturity, often referred to in the context of the Smith-Magenis syndrome or similar studies involving skeletal development. This particular phalanx typically becomes visible at the ninth stage of maturity assessment.

At this stage, skeletal maturity is evaluated primarily through radiographic analysis, particularly hand and wrist X-rays, which allow clinicians to visualize the stages of bone development. The emergence of specific bones, such as the proximal phalanx of the third finger, indicates growth and development progression. Understanding this timeline is crucial for orthodontists as it helps predict and plan for the growth spurts associated with treatment, especially in young patients.

The ninth stage marks a transitional point where significant skeletal characteristics become apparent, thus aligning with the expected developmental patterns observed in pediatric patients. The identification of these milestones helps in assessing growth potential and the timing for interventions in orthodontic treatment planning.