Vertical and Sagittal Growth in Patients with Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate—A Retrospective Cephalometric Evaluation

Cephalometric Assessment of Sella Turcica Morphology and Dimensions in Patients with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveThis review aimed to analyze the size and morphology of the Sella Turcica (ST) in 2-dimensional cephalometric radiographs of individuals with non-syndromic cleft lip and or palate (CLP/CP) compared with non-cleft individuals.MethodsA comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases was conducted without language and date restrictions until October 12, 2024. Studies were included that assessed ST dimensions in lateral cephalograms and compared the patients with non-syndromic CLP or CP and non-cleft individuals. The studies' quality assessment was assessed using the JBI case-control guidelines and the Anatomical Quality Assurance checklist. Quantitative analysis was performed using the random-effects meta-analysis model. The GRADE approach was employed to evaluate the certainty of evidence.ResultsOut of 1087 studies, 10 met the inclusion criteria, and 6 were included in the quantitative analysis. Of all, 7 studies were rated moderate, 2 low, and 1 high quality. Unilateral CLP (UCLP) cohort showed statistically significant smaller dimensions for length (MD = -1.22; 95% CI: -2.21, -0.24), depth (MD = -0.65; 95% CI: -1.41, -0.11), and area (MD = -4.75; 95% CI: -7.22, -2.28) and the odds of ST bridging were more than twice compared to non-cleft control. No significant differences were observed in ST dimensions in bilateral CLP versus non-Cleft and UCLP.ConclusionThe evidence of differences in ST dimensions between non-cleft individuals and patients with UCLP is weak, owing to a greater risk of bias resulting from inadequate reporting of design variability, participant demographics, and measurement methods. Future studies with better methodology and larger sample sizes are needed.

Naso-alveolar Asymmetry in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients-CT Analysis of the Paranasal Region

Secondary deformities to the midfacial area in adolescence and adulthood are common sequelae after primary cleft lip and palate repair and lead to significant functional, aesthetic and psychosocial challenges. Treatment for patients with normal occlusion or treated malocclusion and remaining midfacial hypoplasia includes autologous and alloplastic augmentation of the maxilla. Because of the great variation of deformities, accurate evaluation is essential for appropriate treatment planning. To provide insights in the altered midfacial anatomy in cleft patients, a retrospective computed tomography morphologic analysis of the anterior projection of the maxilla in the paranasal region, soft tissue thickness, and relation of soft tissue to bony landmarks was performed in adolescent, unilateral, non-syndromic complete cleft and palate patients. The anterior projection of the maxilla was very variable with the cleft side bone surface being more anterior relative to the non-cleft side in some patients. Soft tissue thickness was not significantly different between cleft and non-cleft side. The lateral distance from the most anterior point of the maxilla to subalare was significantly smaller on the cleft side as compared with the non-cleft side. The authors' study demonstrates that in cleft lip and palate patients midfacial anatomy with regards to maxilla projection at the pyriform aperture is very variable making accurate evaluation of the bone morphology and an individualized treatment plan a prerequisite for successful correction of nasomaxillary deformities.

The influence of three different primary treatment protocols on 5-year-old maxillary growth in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate

The study evaluated the effects of three different primary treatment protocols on maxillary growth in patients aged 5 years with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The secondary objective was to assess the influence of initial cleft severity, family history of class III, and status of permanent lateral incisor on maxillary growth. In total, 54 patients with non-syndromic complete UCLP were included and grouped as follows: group An underwent lip adhesion, cheilorhinoplasty associated with tibial periosteal graft for hard palate repair, and finally veloplasty; group B underwent lip adhesion, then cheilorhinoplasty with intravelar veloplasty, and finally a hard-palate repair; group C underwent cheilorhinoplasty with intravelar veloplasty and then a hard-palate repair. Five-year maxillary growth was assessed on dental models, both clinically and digitally. No difference was found with GOSLON-Yardstick scoring. Five-year measurements showed that group C tended to have the best maxillary arch morphology (p = 0.012). Initial cleft severity did not impact maxillary growth, but status of permanent lateral incisor and family history of class III did (p = 0.019 and p = 0.004, respectively). In patients aged 5 years, the two-stage approach appeared to be the least detrimental to growth development. Predictive factors for growth retardation included the absence of lateral incisor and a family history of class III.

Maxillary Sinus Volume in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate by CBCT

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies, which can change the morphology of the skull, face, and maxillary sinus due to the disruption in the fusion of palatal shelves. This study aimed to investigate the volume and dimensions of the maxillary sinus in unilateral CLP patients along with comparing the healthy and affected sides. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 27 cone-beam computed tomography stereotypes (14 male and 13 female) of patients with unilateral CLP. Maxillary sinuses were traced separately on each side and analyzed by OnDemand3D software in a separate room with low light. The height and base area of the maxillary sinuses were measured on each side. After dividing each sinus into smaller pyramids, the volume of the sinus was obtained using the partial frustum model method and analyzed by paired t test. There was no significant difference between cleft and noncleft sides in terms of mean volume and height of the sinus ( P > 0.05). The average area of the sinus base on the cleft side was 32.77 mm 2 more than the noncleft side, and this difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.027). The mean upper maxillary sinus volume on the cleft side was 541.62 mm 3 larger than the noncleft side, but this difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.075). Considering the age groups, the average upper sinus volume on the cleft side in patients under 20 years old was 4.66 mm 3 less than the noncleft side. In the age group of more than 20 years, the average volume of the upper sinus on the cleft side was 978.66 mm 3 more than the noncleft side. The mean volume of the lower sinus on the cleft side was 505.92 mm 3 lower than the noncleft side, and this difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.010). The average area of the sinus base of the cleft side was significantly higher than the noncleft side. Also, the lower sinus volume of the cleft side was significantly lower than the noncleft side. However, no significant difference was observed in upper sinus volume between the cleft and noncleft sides.

Correction of a prominent premaxilla in a juvenile with a bilateral cleft lip and palate using a novel, hybrid function regulator, the FR-BCPPm, followed by preadjusted fixed appliances: A 20-year follow-up

A seven-year-old boy with a repaired bilateral cleft lip and palate, presented with a severe skeletal II base and an extremely prominent premaxilla. He had grossly incompetent lips with lower lip trapping, an 18.5-mm overjet, a deep overbite, markedly retroclined lower incisors, bilateral crossbites and 12-mm-wide alveolar gaps together with 6-mm vertical steps between the extruded premaxillary incisors and the posterior teeth. Before the eruption of the permanent canines, there was an urgency to approximate the opposing cleft alveolar margins and to level the split maxillary occlusal plane, in order to facilitate the successful insertion and subsequent consolidation of secondary alveolar bone grafts.A new functional appliance was therefore designed to achieve this objective, which drew components from Fränkel's FR I and FR III function regulators. Together with a couple of novel components, it created a hybrid appliance, namely the function regulator for juveniles with a bilateral cleft and a prominent premaxilla: the FR-BCPPm.The patient was treated with this appliance and a nocturnal headgear at 7-13 years, together with a concomitant quad helix appliance followed by a transpalatal arch and bilateral bone grafts. He was then treated non-extraction up to the age of 17 years with preadjusted fixed appliances to correct his residual, crowded Class II malocclusion.The marked improvement in his occlusion, dentofacial appearance and his perioral function after a decade of treatment was then followed up over 20 years, during which time mild relapse of the incisor overjet and moderate recurrence of the lower anterior misalignment was noted two years after treatment.While no further relapse was observed at the four-year post-treatment review, by 20 years after treatment, a little further misalignment of the lower anterior teeth was noted, half of which was deemed to be attributable to age-related maturation.

The effect of facemask in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with cleft lip and palate usually present a Class III skeletal pattern. Facemask (FM) is one of the conventional orthodontic treatment modalities used to address the skeletal discrepancy in cleft patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential effectiveness of FM in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients.

SEARCH METHODS

Search without restrictions except language in seven databases since inception and hand searching until January 2019 was conducted. Detailed search strategies were developed for each database which were based on the PubMed strategy and adapted accordingly.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Controlled studies assessing the effect of FM in UCLP patients were to be included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

After retrieval and selection of the studies, data extraction was performed. Both angular and linear cephalometric measurements were collected. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CΙs) between treated and untreated UCLP patients concerning the pre- and post-treatment angular measurements of each group were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.

RESULTS

From nine eligible studies, five were included in the meta-analysis investigating the use of FM in patients and controls with UCLP (with and without maxillary expansion). Statistically significant differences were evident for SNA/S-N-ss, SNB/S-N-sm, ANB/ss-N-sm, and SN-MP. FM was found to induce an increase of SNA (WMD = 2.12 degrees, 95% CI: 1.58 to 2.66), ANB (WMD = 4.17 degrees, 95% CI: 3.60 to 4.74), and SN-MP angles (WMD = 2.60 degrees, 95% CI: 1.10 to 4.10) and a decrease of SNB angle (WMD = -1.94 degrees, 95% CI: -2.48 to -1.40) in UCLP patients. Low to moderate heterogeneity was observed.

LIMITATIONS

They emerge due to risk of bias, exclusion of non-English papers and methodological characteristics of the included papers.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the available data, FM seems to improve the sagittal skeletal relationships in UCLP patients, increasing the SNA and ANB angles and decreasing the SNB angle. Moreover, in the vertical dimension, FM increases the SN-MP angle. Regarding dental measurements, there are controversial results. More high-quality studies need to be conducted in order to further clarify the impact of FM on UCLP patients.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO: CRD42019131619.

Determination of prognostic factors for orthognathic surgery in children with cleft lip and/or palate

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prognostic factors for orthognathic surgery (OGS) in children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) using artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

An orthodontic department at a university dental hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 126 patients with bilateral and unilateral CL/P for whom lateral cephalograms were obtained at three time points: 7 (T1), 10 (T2) and 15 (T3) years of age.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cleft type, severity of lip separation at birth, number of missing teeth, sex, palatal repair methods and surgeons, cephalometric variables at T1 and T2, and the total duration of orthodontic treatment were examined as predictors. The need for OGS and skeletal and dental discrepancies at T3 was examined as outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of six models were developed, with a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93. Multiple prognostic factors for OGS were identified. In particular, the number of clefts in the lip and alveolus showed relatively high odds ratios, as did anterior crossbite at T3. Achieving palatal closure with the push-back method, rather than Furlow's method, was also found to be a predictive factor for anterior crossbite at T3, with high odds ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic factors for OGS determined by the AI systems were the number of clefts in the lip and alveolus, the palatal repair method, male sex, several cephalometric variables for the sagittal and vertical dimensions, growth patterns and the number of missing teeth.

Sagittal Jaw Relationship of Different Types of Cleft and Non-cleft Individuals

To investigate whether the craniofacial sagittal jaw relationship in patients with non-syndromic cleft differed from non-cleft (NC) individuals by artificial intelligence (A.I.)-driven lateral cephalometric (Late. Ceph.) analysis. The study group comprised 123 subjects with different types of clefts including 29 = BCLP (bilateral cleft lip and palate), 41 = UCLP (unilateral cleft lip and palate), 9 = UCLA (unilateral cleft lip and alveolus), 13 = UCL (unilateral cleft lip) and NC = 31. The mean age was 14.77 years. SNA, SNB, ANB angle and Wits appraisal was measured in lateral cephalogram using a new innovative A.I driven Webceph software. Two-way ANOVA and multiple-comparison statistics tests were applied to see the differences between gender and among different types of clefts vs. NC individuals. A significant decrease (p < 0.005) in SNA, ANB, Wits appraisal was observed in different types of clefts vs. NC individuals. SNB (p > 0.005) showed insignificant variables in relation to type of clefts. No significant difference was also found in terms of gender in relation to any type of clefts and NC group. The present study advocates a decrease in sagittal development (SNA, ANB and Wits appraisal) in different types of cleft compared to NC individuals.

Management of acquired cholesteatoma in patients with craniofacial anomalies: An institutional experience

PURPOSE

To analyze the surgical management of cholesteatoma in patients with craniofacial abnormalities, cleft lip/palate by reviewing the institutional experience. The secondary aim was to identify and describe the epidemiological profile of the collected data, and to relate the cleft palate and cholesteatoma.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective chart review includes 97 patients with craniofacial abnormalities and acquired cholesteatoma with anatomopathological proven in 118 ears. The following data were collected from the medical records between 1994 and 2018.

RESULTS

The first surgery performed on 76 of the 118 ears (64.4%) was the wall up mastoidectomy, while 42 of the 118 ears (35.5%) received the wall down technique. During the follow-up period of these patients, which ranged from 2 to 29 years, with an average of 13.4 years (±5.88), 77 wall up (40.3%) and 114 wall down (59.6%) mastoidectomies were performed. This brought the total to 191 mastoidectomy surgeries in 118 ears of 97 patients. Of the wall up mastoidectomies, 65 of the 77 (84.4%) presented with cholesteatoma recurrence. In the wall down mastoidectomies follow up, there were new surgical approaches in 15 of the 114 procedures (13.1%), with 6 patients (5.2%) having anatomopathologically proven cholesteatoma recurrences and 9 (7.8%) having clinical instability for cavity cleaning without identification of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Early approach with wall down/modified techniques guided by specific indication criteria may be more resolute, prevent multiple procedures, and preserve the bone pathway to facilitate possible future hearing rehabilitation in these patients.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Pharyngeal Airway Volume and Craniofacial Morphology in Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the correlations between the craniofacial morphology and pharyngeal airway volume in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP).

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-seven patients with complete BCLP and 27 class I control patients, aged 10 to 14 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The pharyngeal airway volume and craniofacial morphology were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography. Measurements were compared between groups and any correlations were identified.

RESULTS

A significantly smaller total pharyngeal airway volume (TPV), oropharyngeal airway volume, and upper (UOPV) and lower (LOPV) oropharyngeal airway volume were found in patients with BCLP than in class I control patients, with no difference in the nasopharyngeal volume between groups. Furthermore, the craniofacial morphology measurements of N-Me, S-Go, Or-C, Ptm-C, Me-C, Co-Go, Go-Me, Ptm-Or, N-S-Ar, and Ar-Go-Me significantly differed between the BCLP and control groups (all P < .05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that Ptm-C and Me-C; Ptm-C, Or-C, and Me-C; and Me-C explained 20.3%, 38.9%, and 17.1% of the variations in TPV (P = .025), UOPV (P = .002), and LOPV (P = .018), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Total pharyngeal airway volume, TPV, OPV, UOPV, and LOPV were significantly smaller in patients with BCLP than in class I controls. In patients with BCLP, the maxilla showed inhibited sagittal development and a retrograde position; moreover, the pharyngeal airway volume was weakly associated with the position of the maxilla and mandible relative to the coronal plane.

Cephalometric evaluation of patients with unilateral and bilateral complete cleft lip and palate

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate craniofacial cephalometric morphology in patients with unilateral clefts (UCLP) and in those with bilateral clefts (BLCP).

METHODS

The lateral radiographs of 129 patients with UCLP or BCLP referred to San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza between January 2010 and January 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Fourteen cephalometric hard tissue landmarks per radiographs were digitized and fifteen measurements (eight angle measurements, six linear measurements, and one ratio measurement) were calculated. Statistical analyses were carried using Chi-squared test (P<0.05).

RESULTS

The analysis included 33 patients (25%) with BCLP, 41 (32%) with right UCLP and 55 (43%) with left UCLP. Adjusting for age and sex, left UCLP was associated with lower gonial angle (mean difference [MD] -2.7, 95% CI 5.2 to -0.0), lower upper gonial angle (MD -2.2, 95% CI -3.9 to -0.6) but higher posterior facial height (MD 2.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 4.4) with respect to right UCLP. Adjusting for age and sex, BCLP was associated with lower articular angle (MD -2.8, 95% CI -5.5 to -0.2) but higher SNA (MD 2.6, 95% CI 0.6 to 4.6) and higher ANB (MD 3.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.0) with respect to UCLP.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences between the two groups were found in relation to three cephalometric values: articular angle, that is bigger in UCLP patients; SNA, that is bigger in BCLP patients; ANB, that is bigger in BCLP patients. This different craniofacial morphology can influence the treatment plan in cleft lip and palate patients.

The Influence of Four Different Treatment Protocols on Maxillofacial Growth in Patients with Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip, Palate, and Alveolus

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of four different treatment protocols on maxillofacial growth in patients aged 7 to 8 years with unilateral complete cleft lip, palate, and alveolus.

METHODS

Sixty-one patients with nonsyndromic unilateral complete cleft lip, palate, and alveolus were entered into this study and grouped as follows: group 1 patients had a repaired lip and an unrepaired palate; group 2 patients underwent one-stage palatoplasty; group 3 patients underwent two-stage palatoplasty; and group 4 patients underwent lip adhesion and two-stage palatoplasty. The control group was composed of 16 patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test the nature of data distribution. The Bonferroni test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Group 5 showed a more protruding maxilla (basion-nasion-A point, basion-nasion-anterior nasal spine, sella-nasion-anterior nasal spine; p < 0.05), longer maxillary sagittal length (anterior nasal spine-posterior maxillary point; p < 0.05) and maxillary basal sagittal length (A point-posterior maxillary point; p < 0.05), and a better jaw relationship (A point-nasion-B point angle; p < 0.05) than groups 2, 3, and 4. Group 2 had higher anterior facial height (anterior nasal spine-nasion, anterior nasal spine-menton, nasion-menton; p < 0.05) and posterior facial height (registration point-posterior maxillary point; p < 0.05) than groups 3 and 4. Groups 2 and 3 had better maxillary position (sella-pterygomaxillary fissure; p < 0.05) and deeper bony pharynx (basion-posterior maxillary point; p < 0.05) than group 4.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients aged 7 to 8 years with unilateral complete cleft lip, palate, and alveolus, both one- and two-stage palatoplasty inhibited maxillary sagittal growth. Vomer flap repair with denuded bone inhibited maxillary vertical growth. Lip adhesion did adversely affect maxilla position.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Facial profile and maxillary arch dimensions in unilateral cleft lip and palate children in the mixed dentition stage

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the vertical and sagittal facial profile and maxillary arch width, depth, and length of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and to compare them with healthy noncleft children in the mixed dentition stage (7–13 years).

Materials and Methods:

This study is conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. UCLP group comprised 48 patients with nonsyndromic UCLP who have had the lip and palate repaired, whereas the control group comprised 48 healthy noncleft cases. The lateral cephalometrics measurements were used to determine the vertical height, sagittal depth of the face, and cranial base length and angle. Maxillary arch dimensions were measured on the study cast including arch width, depth, and length.

Results:

Vertical facial height and sagittal depth measurements showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the mean growth pattern in UCLP group. The anterior cranial base length (S-N) was shorter in UCLP children (P < 0.001), while Ba-N length had no significant difference (P = 0.639). Nasion-Sella Tursica-Basion angle was significantly higher in the UCLP group (P = 0.016). Dental arch width with reference to canine-to-canine and first premolar-to- first premolar distance was significantly larger in control (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Mean vertical and sagittal facial dimensions in the UCLP children who do not undergo orthodontic treatment are significantly lesser in all directions of growth than healthy noncleft children. The maxillary dental arch had a normal depth but constricted in width and arch length.

Upper airway in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate evaluated with computational fluid dynamics

INTRODUCTION

Children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) exhibit snoring and mouth breathing. They are also reported to show obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. However, their upper airway ventilation condition is not clearly understood. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate upper airway ventilation condition in children with UCLP with the use of computational fluid dynamics.

METHODS

Twenty-one children (12 boys, 9 girls; mean age 9.1 years) with UCLP and 25 children (13 boys, 12 girls; mean age 9.2 years) without UCLP who required orthodontic treatment underwent cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Nasal resistance and upper airway ventilation condition were evaluated with the use of computational fluid dynamics from CBCT data. The groups were compared with the use of Mann-Whitney U tests and Student t tests.

RESULTS

Nasal resistance of the UCLP group (0.97 Pa/cm³/s) was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.26 Pa/cm³/s; P < 0.001). Maximal pressure of the upper airway (335.02 Pa) was significantly higher in the UCLP group than in the control group (67.57 Pa; P < 0.001). Pharyngeal airway (from choanae to base of epiglottis) pressure in the UCLP group (140.46 Pa) was significantly higher than in the control group (15.92 Pa; P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Upper airway obstruction in children with UCLP resulted from both nasal and pharyngeal airway effects.

Lateral cephalometric measurements of Iranians with surgically repaired unilateral cleft lips and palates

OBJECTIVES

Since results of surgical correction of unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) are controversial, and there is no study in this regard among Iranians, this study was conducted to document lateral cephalometric measurements of such cases, with respect to age, gender, and cleft side.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 45 lateral cephalographs of individuals with UCLP who had undergone surgery but not orthodontic treatment were traced and 30 skeletal, dental and soft-tissue cephalometric measurements were measured. Parameters were compared between patients with UCLP and cephalometric norms. They were also compared between males and females, two age groups (≤8 and>8 years), and sides of cleft using the Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Only S-N-Pog and U1-SN values were significantly different between this sample and cephalometric norms. The variables were not significantly different between males and females. However, the values of ANB, Wits appraisal, Go-Gn, Go-Pog, U1-SN, interincisal angle, distance of upper lip to Ricketts E-line, and nasopharyngeal depth were significantly different between patients≤8 and>8 years (P<0.05). The S-N-Pog angle, Wits appraisal, Go-Gn, Go-Pog, U1-SN, interincisal angle and hypopharyngeal depth were significantly different between patients with right- and left-side clefts (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Measurements of patients with repaired UCLP were similar to cephalometric norms except for two parameters.

The use of Medpor implants for midface contouring in cleft patients

Three-dimensional midfacial deficiency in cleft patients is common and is frequently connected to impairment of the aesthetic facial appearance. Different approaches to augment relevant facial regions are available. Alloplastic facial implants have been established as a viable alternative to autologous tissue augmentation in various circumstances. However, in cleft patients, the application of facial implants has rarely been reported. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the use of Medpor implants for midfacial contouring in cleft patients. Fifty-one patients with orofacial clefts were assessed with regard to defined parameters. A range of Paranasal, Malar and Nasal Dorsum Medpor implants had been used. Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) represented the most common indication, followed by bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Bilateral implant insertion was performed as a general rule with few exceptions. Insertion of implants was frequently combined with other cleft-related surgical procedures. Even after orthognathic surgery, midfacial augmentation was implemented to specifically address residual volume deficiency, particularly in the malar region. The complication rate amounted to 4.9% (6/122 implants). Based on our findings, Medpor implants are reliable and long-term stable materials to successfully augment paranasal, subnasal and malar areas as well as a solid nasal dorsum material with few complications in cleft patients.

Upper airway features of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients in different growth stages

OBJECTIVES

To compare growth-related changes of skeletal and upper airway features of unilateral cleft lip and palate subjects (UCLP) with non-cleft control (NCC) subjects by using lateral cephalograms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample comprised 238 subjects, collected cross-sectionally, divided into 2 groups: 94 with UCLP, and 144 NCC, subdivided into 4 groups according to their growth stages by using cervical vertebral maturation stage (CVMS). The subgroups were defined as early childhood (stage 1), prepubertal (stage 2: CVMS I and II), pubertal (stage 3: CVMS III and IV), and postpubertal (stage 4: CVMS V and VI).

RESULTS

The maxilla was more retrognathic at stages 2, 3, and 4 in females with UCLP. The mandible was more retrognathic in UCLP at stage 1 in males, and stages 2 and 3 in females. ANB (angle between NA plane and NB plane) was significantly smaller in UCLP subjects at stage 4 for both sexes. A vertical growth pattern was seen in UCLP subjects except males at stages 2 and 3, and females at stage 2. Posterior airway space was significantly narrower at all stages in males and after stage 1 in females. Middle airway space was significantly wider at all stages in females and after stage 1 in males. Epiglottic airway space was significantly narrower in males at stage 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Age- and sex-dependent differences in skeletal morphology and upper-airway widths of the UCLP subjects were identified when compared with controls.

A Comparative Cephalometric Study of Nasoalveolar Molding- and Non-Nasoalveolar Molding-Treated Bilateral Cleft Patients at Early Mixed Dentition Period

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare early maxillary growth in 2 groups of patients with repaired bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) who had and had not received nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy in infancy.

HYPOTHESIS

Nasoalveolar molding does not have any effect on maxillomandibular growth at the early mixed dentition period.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PATIENTS

The study group consisted of forty-two 7-year-old patients with BCLP-20 in the NAM group and 22 in the no-NAM group. The control group consisted of nineteen 7-year-old noncleft, normal patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Nasoalveolar molding was carried out prior to surgeries in those children who were brought in within 8 weeks of birth. Children brought in later were treated without a presurgical intervention. All patients were treated with a single-stage modified Millard cheiloplasty without gingivoperiosteoplasty. Palatoplasty was done by single-stage Bardach palatoplasty with muscle repositioning.

MEAN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hard tissue and dental cephalometric values measured on lateral cephalograms, recorded at 7 years of age.

RESULTS

A comparison of the mean sagittal values showed a statistically significant maxillomandibular retrusion and incisor retroclination of both BCLP groups in comparison to the control group. None of the cephalometric parameters varied statistically between NAM and no-NAM groups. The maxillomandibular relation, lower face height ratio, mandibular plane, and mandibular axis angles did not show statistically significant difference between all 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of this study, NAM does not have any effect on maxillomandibular growth at the early mixed dentition period.

Predicting need for orthognathic surgery in early permanent dentition patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate using receiver operating characteristic analysis

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to predict the need for orthognathic surgery in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) in the early permanent dentition.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we included 61 patients with complete UCLP (36 male, 25 female; mean age, 18.47 years; range, 16.92-26.17 years). The subjects were grouped into an orthognathic surgery group and a nonsurgery group at the time of growth completion. Lateral cephalograms obtained at the age of 11 years were analyzed to compare the 2 groups. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was applied to predict the probability of the need for orthognathic surgery in early adulthood by using the measurements obtained at the age of 11 years.

RESULTS

SNB, ANB, SN, overbite, overjet, maxillary length, mandibular body length, and L1-MP were found to be significantly different between the 2 groups. For a person with a score of 2 in the 3-variable-based criteria, the sensitivity and specificity for determining the need for surgical treatment were 90.0% and 83.9%, respectively (ANB, ≤-0.45°; overjet, ≤-2.00 mm; maxillary length, ≤47.25 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

Three cephalometric variables, the minimum number of discriminators required to obtain the optimum discriminant effectiveness, predicted the future need for orthognathic surgery with an accuracy of 86.9% in patients with UCLP.

Craniofacial cephalometric morphologies in different cleft types: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 212 patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the craniofacial cephalometric morphologies among different cleft types in a Spanish population.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 212 patients. The patients were subdivided into four groups according to their cleft types: unilateral cleft lip and palate; bilateral cleft lip and palate; cleft lip; and cleft palate. Angular and linear cephalometric measurements were taken on lateral radiographs.

RESULTS

Unilateral cleft lip and palate was associated with a dolichofacial growth pattern, skeletal Class III with correct maxillary position, and lingual incisor inclination. Bilateral cleft lip and palate was associated with a mesofacial growth pattern, skeletal Class I with protruded maxillary position, and lingual incisor inclination. Cleft palate was associated with a mesofacial growth pattern, skeletal Class III with correct maxillary position, and lingual incisor inclination. Cleft lip was associated with a brachyfacial growth pattern, skeletal Class I with protruded maxillary position, lingual upper incisor inclination, and corrects lower incisor inclination. Significant correlations were observed between cleft types and their craniofacial cephalometric measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The present information can be used for the determination of orthodontic treatment and even future orthognathic surgery planning, a requirement in most cleft patients.

Comparative Evaluation of the Pharyngeal Airways and Related Soft Tissues of Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients with the Noncleft Individuals

Aim

This study is a comparison of pharyngeal airways and associated soft tissues of unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients with the noncleft individuals.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-four unilateral cleft lip and palate patients (UCLP), 21 bilateral cleft lip and palate patients (BCLP), and 26 noncleft patients (NC) between ages 15 to 17 were included in the study. Eleven linear, 1 angular, and 1 proportional measurements were carried out on pretreatment lateral cephalometric head films of these individuals.

Results

The nasopharyngeal depths were markedly reduced in BCLP when compared with the NC (P < .001) and UCLP (P < .01) with a significant difference (P < .01) also among UCLP and NC. Minimum space behind the tongue concerning BCLP and UCLP were significantly lower compared to the NC (P < .001 and P < .01, respectively). In pairwise comparison among the clefts, BCLP showed significant (P < .05) narrowing of this distance. Tongue heights and velar lengths were significantly (P < .001) lower in cleft groups compared to the controls. Similarly, the hyoid bone was positioned in a significantly (P < .01) anterior and inferior direction in cleft patients. Comparison of the mean ratio of velar length to nasopharyngeal depth of the three groups revealed significant (P < .001) inadequacies in cleft patients with significantly (P < .05) more severely reduced values in BCLP.

Conclusion

Pharyngeal airways and involved soft tissues of cleft patients show serious inadequacies compared to controls, with significant diversities among cleft types pertaining to some of the parameters investigated. It should be kept in mind that these variations can influence function in terms of respiration and phonation.

Evaluation of 5-year-old children with complete cleft lip and palate: Multicenter study. Part 2: Functional results

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cleft surgery is marked by all the controversies and the multiplication of protocols, as it has been shown by the Eurocleft study. The objective of this pilot study is to start a comparison and analyzing procedure between primary surgical protocols in French centers.

METHODS

Four French centers with different primary surgical protocols for cleft lip and palate repair, have accepted to be involved in this retrospective study. In each center, 20 consecutive patients with complete cleft lip and palate (10 UCLP, 10 BCLP per center), non syndromic, have been evaluated at a mean age of 5 [range, 4-6]. In this second part, maxillary growth and palatine morphology were assessed on clinical examination and on dental casts (Goslon score). Speech was also evaluated clinically (Borel-maisonny classification) and by Aerophonoscope.

RESULTS

Veau-Wardill-Killner palatoplasty involves a higher rate of transversal maxillary deficiency and retromaxillary. The fistula rate is statistically lower with tibial periosteum graft hard palate closure but this technique seems to give retromaxillary. Malek and Talmant two-stage-palatoplasty techniques reach Goslon scores of 1 or 2. Considering speech, Sommerlad intravelar veloplasty got higher outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary results. Extension to other centers required. The two-stage palatoplasty, including a Sommerlad intravelar veloplasty seems to have the less negative impact on maxillary growth, and to give good speech outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study. Level III/retrospective multicenter comparative study.

Facial morphometrics of children with non-syndromic orofacial clefts in Tanzania

Background

Orofacial clefts (cleft lip/palate; CL/P) are among the most common congenital anomalies, with prevalence that varies among different ethnic groups. Craniofacial shape differences between individuals with CL/P and healthy controls have been widely reported in non-African populations. Knowledge of craniofacial shape among individuals with non-syndromic CL/P in African populations will provide further understanding of the ethnic and phenotypic variation present in non-syndromic orofacial clefts.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Bugando Medical Centre, Tanzania, comparing individuals with unrepaired non-syndromic CL/P and normal individuals without orofacial clefts. Three-dimensional (3D) facial surfaces were captured using a non-invasive 3D camera. The corresponding 3D coordinates for 26 soft tissue landmarks were used to characterize facial shape. Facial shape variation within and between groups, based on Procrustes superimposed data, was studied using geometric morphometric methods.

Results

Facial shape of children with cleft lip differed significantly from the control group, beyond the cleft itself. The CL/P group exhibited increased nasal and mouth width, increased interorbital distance, and more prognathic premaxillary region. Within the CL/P group, PCA showed that facial shape variation is associated with facial height, nasal cavity width, interorbital distance and midfacial prognathism. The isolated cleft lip (CL) and combined cleft lip and palate (CLP) groups did not differ significantly from one another (Procrustes distance = 0.0416, p = 0.50). Procrustes distance permutation tests within the CL/P group showed a significant shape difference between unilateral clefts and bilateral clefts (Procrustes distance = 0.0728, p = 0.0001). Our findings indicate the morphological variation is similar to those of studies of CL/P patients and their unaffected close relatives in non-African populations.

Conclusion

The mean facial shape in African children with non-syndromic CL/P differs significantly from children without orofacial clefts. The main differences involve interorbital width, facial width and midface prognathism. The axes of facial shape differences we observed are similar to the patterns seen in Caucasian populations, despite apparent differences in cleft prevalence and cleft type distribution. Similar facial morphology in individuals with CL/P in African and Caucasian populations suggests a similar aetiology.

Influence of modified Furlow double opposing Z-plasty on mandibular growth in Oriental patients with cleft palate and/or lip

The purpose of this study was to statistically analyze mandibular growth disturbance in the Oriental cleft population and compare this with that of non-cleft children through cephalometric analysis. Thirty-six children with cleft palates, repaired using a modification of Furlow double opposing Z-plasty, were chosen. Comparative analyses among 3 types of cleft were performed. Statistical analyses of 8 linear and angular measurements were performed in cleft patients and the non-cleft population using Fisher Z-transformation. Comparative analysis showed no significant difference among the 3 types of cleft. In the Oriental cleft group treated with modified double opposing Z-plasty, the spatial position of the mandible showed significant differences compared with the non-cleft group. A backward inclination of the anterior surface of the mandible and downward rotation of the mandibular body were identified. Some of our results regarding gonial angle and length of the mandibular body conflicted with previous Western studies.

Three-dimensional analysis of the pharyngeal airway morphology in growing Japanese girls with and without cleft lip and palate

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the 3-dimensional craniofacial skeletal and pharyngeal airway morphology in growing patients with and without cleft lip and palate.

METHODS

Our juvenile subjects consisted of 34 girls (ages, 9-12 years); 15 had cleft lip and palate, and 19 did not. The adolescent subjects consisted of 32 girls (ages, 13-17 years); 14 had cleft lip and palate, and 18 did not. Each subject was examined with cone-beam computed tomography. The dimensions of the craniofacial skeleton and pharyngeal airway were measured. The Scheffé method of multiple comparisons was used to identify relationships among skeletal and pharyngeal variables.

RESULTS

The pharyngeal airway and mandibular size variables did not differ significantly between the juvenile and adolescent cleft lip and palate groups. Significant differences were observed between each cleft lip and palate group and its corresponding control group. FHN-A, FHN-B, FH-NA, FH-NB, and Co-Me were significantly smaller in the cleft lip and palate groups than in the corresponding control groups. Anteroposterior and lateral widths, heights, and volumes of the superior oropharyngeal airway were significantly smaller in the adolescent cleft lip and palate group than in the adolescent controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The mandible and the oropharyngeal airway were larger in the adolescent controls than in the juvenile controls without cleft lip and palate, but there were no significant differences between the adolescent and juvenile patients with cleft lip and palate.

Comparison of the effects of maxillary protraction using facemask and miniplate anchorage between unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the difference in the effects of facemask with miniplate (FM-MP) anchorage on maxillary protraction in growing cleft patients between unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The samples consisted of a UCLP group (N  =  15, 13 boys and 2 girls; mean age 10.98 years; mean protraction duration 2.37 years) and a BCLP group (N  =  15, all boys; mean age 11.42 years; mean protraction duration 2.36 years), who were treated with the same surgical technique (rotation and advancement flap and double opposing Z-plasty) by one surgeon and with FM-MP by one orthodontist. Lateral cephalograms were taken before (T1) and after FM-MP (T2). Fourteen skeletal and dental variables were measured. Independent and paired t-tests were performed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

There were no differences in mean age and values of variables at the T1 stage and in the duration of protraction between the two groups. The BCLP group showed less advancement of point A than the UCLP group (ΔA-vertical reference plane, 2.51 mm vs 4.06 mm, P < .05; ΔA-N perpendicular, 0.79 mm vs 2.26 mm, P < .05; ΔSNA, 0.45° vs 2.85°, P < .01). Since counterclockwise rotation of the palatal plane in two groups was minimal (-0.36° vs -0.87°), no difference was observed with regard to clockwise rotation of the mandible (0.46° vs -0.07°). There were no differences in the degree of labioversion of the maxillary incisor (8.16° vs 7.10°), linguoversion of the mandibular incisor (-2.66° vs -2.14°), and increase in overjet (5.39 mm vs 5.70 mm) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In FM-MP therapy of growing cleft patients under the conditions of this study, the UCLP group shows a more favorable change in maxillary advancement than the BCLP group.

A two-centre study on facial morphology in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate at nine years of age

The aim of this study was to compare craniofacial morphology and soft tissue profiles in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate at 9 years of age, treated in two European cleft centres with delayed hard palate closure but different treatment protocols. The cephalometric data of 83 consecutively treated patients were compared (Gothenburg, N=44; Nijmegen, N=39). In total, 18 hard tissue and 10 soft tissue landmarks were digitized by one operator. To determine the intra-observer reliability 20 cephalograms were digitized twice with a monthly interval. Paired t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression models were applied for statistical analysis. Hard and soft tissue data were superimposed using the Generalized Procrustes Analysis. In Nijmegen, the maxilla was protrusive for hard and soft tissue values (P=0.001, P=0.030, respectively) and the maxillary incisors were retroclined (P<0.001), influencing the nasolabial angle, which was increased in comparison with Gothenburg (P=0.004). In conclusion, both centres showed a favourable craniofacial form at 9-10 years of age, although there were significant differences in the maxillary prominence, the incisor inclination and soft tissue cephalometric values. Follow-up of these patients until facial growth has ceased, may elucidate components for outcome improvement.

Sagittal maxillary growth in children with unilateral cleft of the lip, alveolus and palate at the age of 10 years: an intercentre comparison

OBJECTIVE

Aim of this intercentre study was to compare sagittal facial growth in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated with different surgical protocols. A first evaluation had been carried out at the age of 6 years, now the patients have been re-evaluated at the age of 10 years.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

22 patients had been analyzed in centre 1, 32 patients in centre 2. All patients had presurgical orthopaedics. Centre 1 had lip repair at the age of 3 months and one-stage palatal closure with 1 year. Centre 2 had lip repair with 6 months, soft palate repair at 12 and hard palate repair at the age of 30 months. Sagittal growth was evaluated on lateral cephalograms. As control, data of 35 non-cleft children were used. Statistical analysis was carried out with student's t-test, multiple comparisons with Bonferroni.

RESULTS

There was considerably normal sagittal facial growth in centre 1, with tendency of forward growth of the mandible. In centre 2 there was a slight decrease in sagittal maxillary and mandibular growth with unchanged intergnathic relation. There was no statistically significant difference in sagittal growth between the centres. A re-evaluation has to be carried out after the final growth spurt.