Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Skeletal Deformities and Pharyngeal Airway in Chinese Han Individuals With Nonsyndromic Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the relationships between skeletal deformities and the pharyngeal airway of patients with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Departments in the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, China. Patients, Participants: The sample comprised 30 nonsyndromic UCLP patients and 30 healthy controls. Each group has 23 males and 7 females. Interventions: All cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained with the participant in the standard supine position and asked to bite with intercuspal position without swallowing or moving their heads and tongues during scanning. Main Outcome Measure(s): SNA, SNB, ANB, anterior cranial base, Wits appraisal, maxillary length (PTM-ANS || FH), maxillary position (S-PTM || FH), mandibular length (Go-Pog || MP), FMA, posterior face height, anterior face height, Posterior-Anterior face height, lower face height, pharyngeal airway volumes, and areas were evaluated by Dolphin imaging software. Results: The UCLP group showed significantly decreased SNA, SNB, ANB, PTM-ANS || FH, S-PTM || FH, P-A Face Height compared with the controls. However, the airway volumes and areas showed no significant difference between 2 groups. The total airway volume and minimum cross-sectional area in UCLP patients were related to the Go-Pog || MP and FMA. Conclusions: Patients with UCLP have both the maxillary and mandibular deficiencies in the sagittal dimension. Both the sagittal and vertical relationships of the jaw might affect the airway volume and area. However, no significant difference was detected in airway volume and area in UCLP patients when compared with the controls.

A 3-Dimensional Measurements of Bone and Airway Variables After Le Fort I Distraction Osteogenesis in Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate-Induced Midface Hypoplasia: A Retrospective Study

“…Midface protraction with facemasks or orthognathic surgery is effective in increasing the airway volume in patients with or without CLP 2,4,15,17,18. Furthermore, the upper airway size is determined by the mandible and hyoid bone because these structures have many soft tissue and muscle attachments 29,38,39. Patients with mandibular retrusion have a narrowed airway and respiratory problems including apnea and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome 22.…”

“…2,4,15,17,18 Furthermore, the upper airway size is determined by the mandible and hyoid bone because these structures have many soft tissue and muscle attachments. 29,38,39 Patients with mandibular retrusion have a narrowed airway and respiratory problems including apnea and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. 22 The anteroposterior dimension of the pharyngeal airway space is substantially affected by the size of the enclosure surrounding the pharyngeal airway space, including the maxilla, mandible, and soft palate.…”

“…[23][24][25] Furthermore, clockwise rotation of the mandible has been observed after maxillary distraction, [26][27][28] even in a recent study. 29 However, it is unclear whether the mandibular rotation also affects the airway space.…”

Assessing the Impact of Transcutaneous Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis on Pharyngeal Airway Volume in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate: A 3D Evaluation Study

“…One limitation of the study is the small sample size, as cleft lip and palate patients are rare in Taiwan. Additionally, it can be difficult to control tongue position and breathing phase during CBCT scans [ 31 ]. However, we instructed patients to position their tongue in a relaxed state during CBCT scanning.…”

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

“…Based on the sample size calculation method proposed by Pandis and Machin (2012), to detect a difference of 5 cm 3 (±6 cm 3 ) in the upper airway volume between groups at a significance level of .05 and a power of 80%, a minimum of 22 patients were required in each group (Zhang et al, 2020). To identify the study and control samples, one investigator searched the patient database of the Orthodontic Department of Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University based on the inclusion criteria described below.…”