An Analysis of Orthodontic Treatment Outcomes at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital using the Peer Assessment Rating Index

Abstract

Abstract
Background: There is a correlation between the demand and need for orthodontic treatment. Other factors may be
responsible for the rising orthodontic demand rather than the actual need for treatment. An objective assessment is important
to justify orthodontic treatment as well as evaluate treatment outcomes. The Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index was
designed to objectively assess malocclusion and quantify the efficacy of treatment. The aim of this study was to assess
malocclusion and evaluate treatment outcomes in Orthodontic patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital using the
PAR Index.
Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients treated at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital,
Idi-Araba Lagos. Atotal of 43 pre and post-treatment study casts of patients treated over a period of one year were recruited
for the study. This was obtained from the archives of the Orthodontics unit, LUTH. One principal investigator was calibrated
for the PAR Index measurement. Selected casts were subsequently measured and scored using the PAR ruler and the UK
weighting system of the PAR Index.
Results: A total of 43 pre and post-treatment study casts were analysed. A total of 31 (72.1%) out of the 43 treated cases
showed great improvement with a 95% mean percentage reduction (mean reduction of 18.9) in malocclusion using the PAR
Index. However, 11.6% of the subjects showed improvement and little improvement each, with a mean percentage reduction
of 64.3% and 44.9% respectively. About 5% of the treated cases showed no improvement.
Conclusion: In this study, 72 % of patients managed at the orthodontics unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital
showed great improvement in their occlusion.