The pattern of facial growth before and during puberty, as shown by French-Canadian girls.

The results are reported for an analysis of longitudinal sequences of lateral head X-rays of 50 Montreal girls, taken annually between the ages of 6 and 15 years. Mean size changes for distances within the cranial base, the maxilla and the mandible, as well as those outlining the facial polygon, are displayed on a common proportional scale based on mean sizes at 15 years old. Mean growth velocities are displayed on both a chronological age scale and on one relative to the individual age of peak growth velocity in stature. A distinct facial pattern of growth is established, In terms of the proportion of final size achieved during childhood, it is below the cranial pattern, but above the general skeletal one. This facial pattern shows a pubertal peak in growth, but one quantitatively less important than that for stature. The timing of the two peaks is closely aligned, although the evidence favours a slightly later development for the face. The mandibular ramus provided the sole exception to this common facial pattern, though some questions on maxillary growth remain open.