Evaluation of frontal and axial morphology in repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate patients

Abstract

To evaluate the extent of maxillary arch collapse on cleft vis-a-vis non-cleft side in the same individual presenting with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and methods: 22 children with surgically repaired UCLP who met the inclusion criteria were selected. Following the acquisition of CBCT scans, 14 bilateral landmarks were selected. The distance of the bilateral landmark was calculated from the midsagittal plane on the cleft and non-cleft side for both frontal and axial view. Tracings were done, data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: In the axial view, zygomatic arch, malar and porion were non-significant but the alveolar crest at the premolar region (p<.003) and molar (p<.007) region were significantly decreased. In frontal analysis, pyriforme and alveolar crest above the maxillary 1st molar and in axial view, premolar and molar widths showed significant reduction when comparing the cleft vis-a-vis non-cleft sides. Conclusion:In frontal analysis, the area encompassing the cleft region showed significant reduction when compared to the non-cleft side along with pyriforme and the alveolar crest over the maxillary first molar. In axial view, when comparing the cleft vis-a-vis non-cleft sides, premolar and molar widths were significantly reduced.