Three-dimensional geometric morphometrics applied to the study of children with cleft lip and/or palate from the North East of England

Abstract

This prospective cross-sectional, case-controlled morphometric study investigated three-dimensional facial morphological variation among and between 8- and 12-year-old children [40 with a unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 23 with a unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA), 19 with a bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), and 21 with an isolated cleft palate (ICP)]. Eighty gender- and age-matched individuals comprised the control group. The mean shape of each group was computed using generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA). Differences in shape between group means were assessed using multivariate analysis of variance and permutation tests, and shape differences were visualized for interpretation using warpings of the grand mean shape and transformation grids computed using thin plate splines (TPA). Statistically significant differences between the mean facial shapes and forms (shape plus size) of all groups were found. The greatest difference was in the BCLP group and the second greatest in the UCLP group. The study of asymmetry indicated different degrees and differences in the nature of asymmetry that characterize different cleft lip and palate (CLP) deformities. Principal component analyses (PCA) of form space and of means, plus reflected means, were informative with respect to the differences in facial size and shape and asymmetry between these groups. The results highlight differences in the aetiology of ICP and CLP groups and underline the potential value of statistical shape analysis in assessing the outcomes of CLP treatment.

Variability in palatal shape and size in patients with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate assessed using dense surface model construction and 3D geometric morphometrics

“…Only one BCLP patient fell within the cluster of the control group (at a distance of two standard deviations from the centre of the cluster of nonclefted palates). A similar PCA methodology was used by Singh et al (2007) and Bugaighis et al (2010) to compare clefted and nonclefted facial morphology. Facial shape variability between the clefted and nonclefted groups differed in relation to the degree of affection (Bugaighis et al 2010).…”

The Nasolabial Angle Among Patients with Total Cleft Lip and Palate

“…Beside that, deformity of the nasal rim, including flattening of the nostril of the affected side, is observed. This is a result of the presence of scarring [3,4]. The asymmetry is also observed in hard tissues and refers mainly to the dentoalveolar region that is retruded and rotated backwards at the affected side [3][4][5].…”

“…This is a result of the presence of scarring [3,4]. The asymmetry is also observed in hard tissues and refers mainly to the dentoalveolar region that is retruded and rotated backwards at the affected side [3][4][5]. The asymmetry in individuals with clefts was also observed in the mandible, where the chin is deviated to the cleft side [6].…”

“…This asymmetry may also result in a less attractive smile, which is very important in the perception by society [3,4,13].…”

Stem cell regenerative therapy in alveolar cleft reconstruction

“…3 and 4 It comprises a heterogeneous group of defects with large differences in volume and shape. 5 Affected children suffer from speech and hearing disorders, their academic achievements might be affected as well. 6 and 7 The correction procedure is aimed at closing the oronasal fistula and providing adequate support for tooth eruption through restoration of maxillary arch continuity, which provides conditions for proper dentition and occlusion development.…”