Growth and Development of Craniofacial Structures in Patients at Different Ages With Unrepaired Submucous Cleft Palate

Abstract

Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is a particular subtype of cleft palate deformity; research related to the craniofacial features of patients with SMCP is comparatively rare. The study objective was to perform a cephalometric comparison of the craniofacial features of patients with SMCP and non-cleft controls at different ages. The sample in this cross-sectional study was composed of 2 groups: SMCP patients and non-cleft controls. The primary predictor variables were study group (cleft and non-cleft) and age. Age was divided into 3 groups. The outcome variables of interest were craniofacial measurements. The measurements used reflect cranial length, cranial angle, maxillary sagittal length and protrusion, maxillary vertical height, pharyngeal depth, facial height, mandibular length and protrusion, mandibular plane angle, and intermaxillary relation. Adjusted cephalometric craniofacial measurements between the groups were compared in 3 age groups using generalized linear models after being adjusted for age and gender. The study included 60 SMCP patients and 60 non-cleft controls.SMCP patients and non-cleft controls were divided into 3 subgroups: those aged 5 to 7years, those aged 9 to 11years, and those aged 18 to 30years. Patients with SMCP at age 5 to 7years showed a shortened cranial base length, maxillary sagittal length and height, and bony pharynx depth. Patients with SMCP at age 9 to 11years showed a smaller maxillary sagittal length and bony pharynx depth and an inharmonious jaw relationship. Patients with SMCP at age 18 to 30years showed a smaller maxillary sagittal length and height and an inharmonious jaw relationship. SMCP is associated with progressive maxillary retrognathism and reduced profile convexity from childhood to adulthood.