目的·利用锥形束计算机断层扫描（cone-beam computed tomography，CBCT）技术分析中国人群中翼腭缝（pterygopalatine suture，PPS）的解剖及宏观形态特征，并初步探讨其发育模式及其与矫正上颌发育不足之间的关联。方法·纳入2023年7月—8月在上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院拍摄的134例CBCT影像资料，根据年龄分为6组。以PPS标志点为依据，计算得出PPS整体的横向位置（transverse position of PPS，X_PPS），PPS整体的矢状向位置（sagittal position of PPS，Y_PPS），以及PPS的锥突嵌入角（insertion angle of PPS，IAP）、锥突嵌入宽度（insertion width of pyramidal process，IWP）和锥突嵌入深度（insertion depth of pyramidal process，IDP），并通过多平面观察确定翼上颌联合情况。采用回归分析评估各参数与年龄、性别的相关性，并通过两两比较确定参数变化的稳定年龄段。采用配对t检验及配对χ²检验分析双侧参数的差异性。结果·Y_PPS、IDP与年龄无显著相关性，而X_PPS、IAP、IWP、翼上颌连接的发生率均与年龄呈显著正相关（P<0.01）。性别差异仅在X_PPS中显著，男性大于女性（P<0.01）。参数的年龄变化趋势分析表明：X_PPS在组1（6岁≤年龄<9岁）和组2（9岁≤年龄<12岁）间差异显著（女性：P=0.006；男性：P=0.004）；IAP在组2与组3（12岁≤年龄<15岁）间差异显著（P=0.042），98.5%样本的IAP大于45o；IWP在组1与组3间差异显著（P=0.016）；翼上颌联合情况在组1、2、3间差异显著（组1、2间P<0.001，组2、3间P=0.037，组1、3间P<0.001），成人发生率高于90%。各项指标双侧比较均未见统计学差异。结论·6岁以后Y_PPS及IDP未表现出明显改变，上颌骨与翼突趋于融合。PPS整体横向位置在12岁左右趋于稳定，而IAP及IWP持续增长，至15岁左右达到稳定且翼腭缝锥突嵌入翼切迹的方向偏向矢状向。

Objective ·To analyze the anatomical and macroscopic characteristics of the pterygopalatine suture (PPS) in Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology, and to preliminarily investigate its developmental pattern and its association with the correction of maxillary underdevelopment. Methods ·A total of 134 CBCT images, taken from July to August 2023 at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, were categorized into six age groups. The PPS landmarks were utilized to determine the overall transverse position (X_PPS), sagittal position (Y_PPS), insertion angle (IAP), insertion width of the pyramidal process (IWP), and insertion depth of the pyramidal process (IDP). The pterygomaxillary junction was identified through multiplanar observations. Regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation of these parameters with age and gender, and pairwise comparisons were made to determine the stable age range for parameter changes. Paired t-tests and paired chi-squared tests were conducted to analyze the bilateral parameter differences. Results ·Results showed that Y_PPS and IDP did not exhibit significant correlation with age, whereas X_PPS, IAP, IWP, and the incidence of pterygomaxillary fusion were significantly positively correlated with age (P<0.01). Gender differences were only significant for X_PPS, with males demonstrating greater values than females (P<0.01). Analysis of age-related trends indicated significant differences in X_PPS between group 1 (6 years≤age<9 years) and group 2 (9 years≤age<12 years) (female: P=0.006, male: P=0.004); significant differences in IAP were observed between group 2 and group 3 (12 years≤age<15 years) (P=0.042), with 98.5% of samples having an IAP greater than 45 degrees; IWP differences were significant between group 1 and group 3 (P=0.016), and the pterygomaxillary fusion incidence was significantly different among group 1, 2, and 3 (group 1 vs. 2: P<0.001, group 2 vs 3: P=0.037, group 1 vs 3: P<0.001), with an incidence rate exceeding 90% in adults. No significant bilateral differences were found for all parameters. Conclusion ·No significant changes were observed in Y_PPS and IDP after the age of 6, indicating a trend towards fusion of the maxilla with the pterygoid process. The overall transverse position of the PPS tends to stabilize around 12 years of age, while the IAP and IWP continue to increase and reach stability around 15 years of age,with a sagittal insertion orientation of the pyramidal process into the pterygoid notch.