Bilateral Cleft Lip And Palate Group Research Articles

Efficacy of rhBMP-2 and Cellular Bone Matrix in the Revision of Alveolar Bone Grafting

Objective: This study presents a novel approach that utilizes recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) and cellular bone matrix (CBM) for revision alveolar bone graft (ABG) in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients following failed autologous ABG. Methods: A case series of 14 UCLP and 4 BCLP patients who had failed autologous ABG with revision ABG with rhBMP-2 and CBM. Review of demographics, operative data, Bergland score, and alveolar cleft gap volume was performed. Results: Revision ABG had short operative times and low blood loss in both UCLP and BCLP. No postoperative complications were found in either revision group. Repeat ABG surgery was required in one patient. Bergland score improved from 3.86 ± 0.53to 1.21 ± 0.80 in the UCLP group and from 3.75 ± 0.50to 1.00 ± 0.00 in the BCLP group. The cleft volume decreased by 83.62 ± 9.78% in UCLP and by 86.73 ± 13.65% in the BCLP group. Conclusions: Revision ABG with rhBMP-2 and CBM is a successful and reliable approach. This method has decreased operative time and no postoperative complications. Most patients achieved clinically successful grafting with canine eruption. Both UCLP and BCLP groups saw a significant decrease in alveolar cleft gap volume.

Tomographic Evaluation of the Upper Cervical Spine in Patients with Cleft lip and Palate and Class III Malocclusion.

To perform a morphometric analysis of the upper cervical spine (UCS) by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the diagnosis of malformations or craniocervical instabilities in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and class III malocclusion. A total of 72 CBCTs from adult patients (48 male and 24 female) with Angle Class III malocclusion were divided into three groups: 1) Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) (n = 29; male = 65.5%; age = 24, 2 ± 4.2 years); 2) Bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) (n = 18; male = 83.3%; age = 26.4 ± 6.0 years); 3) Control group (CON) (n = 25; male = 56.0%; age = 27.8 ± 9.3 years). The version 11.7 of the Dolphin® software (Chatsworth, California, USA) was used to evaluate the morphometric measurements and anomalies of the UCS. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics (p ≤ 0.05). For the UCLP, BCLP and CON groups, respectively, the measures were: atlantodental interval (2.1 ± 0.5; 2.1 ± 0.4; 2.0 ± 0.3 mm), basion-opisthion (35.9 ± 3.2; 36.4 ± 3.0; 34.7 ± 1.9 mm), hyoid-C3 (34.5 ± 3.7; 34.5 ± 5.2; 35.3 ± 4.5 mm), and hyoid-sella (108.1 ± 9.8; 111.3 ± 9.2; 109.7 ± 10 mm); clivus-canal angle (152.3 ± 13; 150.3 ± 10; 150.7 ± 10°) and Torg-Pavlov index (1.0 ± 0.2; 1.0 ± 0.1; 1.1 ± 0.2). Potentially unstable anomalies and malformations were more prevalent in the UCLP group (34,4%). Subjects with UCLP presented compressive or unstable anomalies on upper cervical spine, more frequently than controls and BCLP, despite the lack of statistically significant differences among groups. Future studies could increase the safety of patients and healthcare professionals specialized in craniofacial anomalies.

Three-dimensional Anthropometric Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Nasal Deformity.

This study used three-dimensional measurements to provide a nasolabial analysis of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), and controls across different races and ethnicities. A retrospective comparative study. Tertiary care pediatric institution. The study included 90 patients with UCLP, 43 patients with BCLP, and 90 matched controls. Patients are separated as self-identified Caucasian, Hispanic, or African American. Nasal length, nasal protrusion, columellar height, columellar width, tip width, alar width, alar base width, nasolabial angle, upper lip length, philtrum length, nostril height, and nostril width. All UCLP groups had significantly greater columella and tip widths and decreased nasolabial angles than controls. All BCLP groups had significantly greater columella width, tip width, nasolabial angle, and nostril widths. Upper lip length, philtrum length, and nostril height were significantly decreased in BCLP compared to controls. Across UCLP groups, African Americans had significantly decreased nasal protrusion and columella height and a significantly increased columella width compared to Caucasians and Hispanics. Alar and alar base widths were significantly different between all groups. Across BCLP groups, the Caucasian nostril width was significantly less than the African Americans. These findings suggest that when correcting nasolabial characteristics in patients with cleft lip, it is important to consider racial and ethnic differences to achieve a normal appearance. Specifically, goals for alar width, alar base width, nasal tip, and projection should be tailored to the patient's race and ethnicity.

Transverse differences between cleft lip and palate and non-cleft palate with skeletal Class III malocclusion using buccolingual inclination: a cone-beam computed tomography retrospective study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences between buccolingual inclination (BI) of maxillary posterior teeth in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and non-cleft palate with skeletal Class III malocclusion. We propose a method of maxillary expansion which is more suitable for patients with CLP.MethodsFor this retrospective study, 40 patients with CLP and 21 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion were selected. The CLP group was divided into the unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) groups. The BI of the maxillary first premolar (BI4), maxillary second premolar (BI5) and first molar (BI6) were measured using cone-beam computed tomography, and the differences between them were compared and analyzed by Student’s t-test.ResultsThere were significant differences between cleft side BI4 and non-cleft side BI4 in the UCLP group, BI5 in the BCLP group, BI4 and BI5 in all CLP groups and the skeletal Class III malocclusion group. BI6 was similar across all three groups.ConclusionsThe premolars of patients with CLP do not exhibit the same regularity as those with Class III malocclusion; this may be related to surgical scarring of the cleft palate. Greater attention should be paid to the correction of BI in the maxillary expansion of patients with CLP.

Prevalence of Simonart's band in cleft children at a cleft center in Indonesia: A nine-year retrospective study.

Simonart's band is a soft tissue band that connects the cleft gap of the base of the nostril or the margin of the alveolus. While research on the prevalence of Simonart's band in cleft lip and palate cases has been carried out in various countries, research on Simonart's band in Indonesia has yet to be conducted. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different types of Simonart's band at a cleft center in Indonesia. The data of cleft patients were reviewed retrospectively over a 9-year period at the Cleft Lip and Palate Center Center, Harapan Kita Women and Children Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. The patients were divided based on the type of cleft and the type of Simonart's band. The results were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Out of 638 cleft patients from the period 2008-2016, 77 patients had Simonart's band. The liptolip band was most commonly found (52 cases, 67.5%). The lip-to-alveolus band was found in 20 cases (26.0%) and the alveolus-to-alveolus band had the lowest prevalence of 5 cases (6.5%). Associations between the cleft type (unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA), and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP)) and Simonart's band type were all significant (p = 0.001, according to Fisher's exact test), which indicates significant differences in the distribution of the bands with regard to different cleft types. There was a significant difference in the distribution of the bands between the UCLP and UCLA groups (p = 0.000). On the other hand, the distribution of the bands in the UCLP group did not differ much from that in the BCLP group (p = 0.065). The prevalence of Simonart's band was significantly higher in the patients with the unilateral complete cleft of the primary and secondary palate than in the subjects with the cleft of the primary palate. In the UCLP group, most patients had the lip-to-lip band type. In the BCLP group, the majority also had the lip-to-lip band type. In contrast, in the UCLA group, the majority showed the lip-to-alveolus band type.

Comparison of Maxillofacial Morphology Between Modified Furlow's and Modified two-Flap Palatoplasty in Orofacial Clefts During the Primary Dentition Period.

To assess the effect of two palatoplasty procedures, modified Furlow's palatoplasty (F procedure) and modified two-flap palatoplasty (T procedure), on the maxillofacial morphology of unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) during the primary dentition period. Retrospective cohort study. Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Showa University. We enrolled 106 pediatric patients (63 boys, 43 girls; aged 4.43 ± 0.34 years) with non-syndromic orofacial clefts who underwent cheiloplasty and palatoplasty. Patients were divided into four groups according to cleft type (BCLP or UCLP) and palatoplasty procedure type (F or T procedure). Maxillofacial morphology was assessed by examining parameters on lateral cephalograms. Multiple comparisons revealed significant differences among N-A, N-ANS, and ANS-PNS distances and SNA and ANB angles among the groups. There were significant differences in N-A, N-ANS, ANS-PNS, SNA, and SNB among the UCLP and BCLP groups. The calculated effect sizes were all within 0.3-0.5. The statistical power was as follows: N-A, 86.41%; N-ANS, 79.77%; ANS-PNS, 97.49%; SNA, 96.88%; and ANB, 99.25%. Although UCLP and BCLP both exhibited differences in craniofacial distances and angles, the procedure type (either F or T procedure) had no significant effect on the maxillofacial morphology (as determined by lateral cephalograms). However, to rule out additional bias, patient-specific factors should be considered that may be affected by maxillofacial development when deciding surgical approaches.

Bite Force Changes in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients Before and After ALT-RAMEC Protocol.

To evaluate the bite force (BF) changes in bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) in contrast to the non BCLP children after ALT-RAMEC Facemask therapy. The prospective study was carried out on a total of 60 subjects of age 6 to 13 years in a tertiary care hospital; treatment group, 30 children with BCLP and control group, 30 children without cleft lip and palate. Each cleft patient was received ALT-RAMEC Facemask treatment and their BF assessed at 4 different stages. Bite force taken before treatment, immediately, 3 months and 6 months after treatment. Bite force of the control group was taken at baseline to compare with the treatment group to demonstrate the difference in BF values. Independent t test and analysis of variance were used to perform statistical analysis. There was a significant difference in BF between the treatment group (BCLP) 122.53 ± 8.64 N and the control group (non BCLP) 181.38 ± 18.84 N at baseline. After the Alt RAMEC protocol, changes in BF recorded over 3 and 6 months of therapy showed significant improvement. The mean values of BF at 3months and 6 months were 106.7 ± 9.3 N and 137.4 ± 9.5 N, respectively. Bite force was significantly improved after ALT-RAMEC protocol followed by facemask therapy in BCLP patients.

Assessment of mandibular symmetry in cleft lip and cleft palate patients

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate cleft patients, both unilateral and bilateral clefts and compare them with Skeletal base Class I patients for symmetry using orthopantomogram. Materials and Methods: Three groups of patients within age range of 15–25 years: Group I – Normal participants (mean age = 18.33 ± 2.84); Group II – Unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate participants (mean age = 18.74 ± 3.36); and Group III – Bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate participants (mean age = 17.64 ± 3.10) were assessed and compared to each other. Orthopantomogram was analyzed for vertical symmetry. Habets asymmetry index and the Kjellgren's asymmetry index were applied to assess the relative intensity of asymmetry. Results: Significant difference was seen in condylar height (P = 0.029), ramal height (P = 0.046), mandibular body length (P = 0.014), gonial angle (P = 0.035) and condylion–gonian distance (P = 0.044). Kjellberg's symmetry index/condylar ratio was maximally affected by the groups when compared with the Habets asymmetry index. Conclusion: Mandibular asymmetry has been expressed in unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) group. Normal group and bilateral CLP group indicated a symmetrical posterior vertical height of the mandible.

Midface Growth Potential in Unoperated Clefts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Competing hypotheses for the development of midface hypoplasia in patients with cleft lip and palate include both theories of an intrinsic restricted growth potential of the midface and extrinsic surgical disruption of maxillary growth centers and scar growth restriction secondary to palatoplasty. The following meta-analysis aims to better understand the intrinsic growth potential of the midface in a patient with cleft lip and palate unaffected by surgical correction. A systematic review of studies reporting cephalometric measurements in patients with unoperated and operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), and isolated cleft palate (iCP) abstracted SNA and ANB angles, age at cephalometric analysis, syndromic diagnosis, and patient demographics. Age and Region-matched controls without cleft palate were used for comparison. SNA angle for unoperated UCLP (84.5 ± 4.0°), BCLP (85.3 ± 2.8°), and ICP (79.2 ± 4.2°) were statistically different than controls (82.4 ± 3.5°), (all P ≤ 0.001). SNA angles for operated UCLP (76.2 ± 4.2°), BCLP (79.8 ± 3.6°), and ICP (79.0 ± 4.3°) groups were statistically smaller than controls (all P ≤ 0.001). SNA angle in unoperated ICP (n = 143) was equivalent to operated ICP patients (79.2 ± 4.2° versus 79.0 ± 4.3° P = 0.78). No unoperated group mean SNA met criteria for midface hypoplasia (SNA < 80). Unoperated UCLP/BLCP exhibit a more robust growth potential of the maxilla, whereas operated patients demonstrate stunted growth compared to normal phenotype. Unoperated ICP demonstrates restricted growth in both operated and unoperated patients. As such, patients with UCLP/BCLP differ from patients with ICP and the factors affecting midface growth may differ.Level of Evidence: IV.

Identifying associations between dental arch relationship scores, relative deprivation and other cleft audit outcomes. Part 2.

Identify associations between dental arch relationship scores, oral health status and deprivation index in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Ninety-two 5-year-old children with non-syndromic complete UCLP and thirty-nine 5-year-old children with non-syndromic complete BCLP from the United Kingdom. Data were collected from the 5-year audit outcomes submitted to the Cleft Registry and Audit Network (CRANE). The index of multiple deprivation (IMD) and Welsh index of deprivation were used to assess a relative measure of deprivation. Comparisons of 5-year-old index/BCLP Deciduous Dentition Yardstick outcome against IMD and dmft are performed using multivariable linear regression models. Both UCLP and BCLP had a high percentage of children with dmft >0 (47% and 49%, respectively). The mean dmft for the UCLP cohort was 2.8 and 2.6 for the BCLP cohort. In the UCLP group, a poorer 5-year-old index was associated with an increased dmft score (P=.023) and higher level of deprivation (P=.010). In the BCLP group, there was no significant associations between BCLP Deciduous Dentition Yardstick, dmft and IMD. A poorer dental arch relationship outcome may be associated with higher level of area deprivation and oral health status, in children with UCLP. Those with a poor outcome for the 5-year-old Index are more likely to have increased caries experience.

Nasopharyngeal structure development in patients with cleft palate who underwent repair surgery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the developmental characteristics of bony nasopharyngeal (NP) in children with cleft palate (CP) and non-cleft subjects. MethodsThis study was conducted on 64 non-syndromic CP patients who underwent repair surgery and 23 non-cleft subjects as controls. Lateral cephalograms were performed on participants at rest in the natural head position. The X-coordinate and the Y-coordinate of three points on cephalograms were determined as Hormion (Ho), posterior maxillary point (PMP) and anterior point of the atlas (At) representing the anterior-posterior (AP) and vertical dimension of the NP. The linear dimension of the NP (i.e. Ho-At, Ho-PMP, At-PMP) and its area was also calculated. ResultsThe bony structures of NP in the clef-affected subjects in isolated CP subgroup, had a significantly greater downward development in the maxillary region (PMP) (both with p = 0.001), more linear growth in cranial-maxillary (Ho-PMP) dimension (p = 0.017 and 0.004, respectively), and larger area (p = 0.017 and <0.001, respectively), when compared to normal subjects. There was no significant difference between either the unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) or bilateral CLP group with the control group regarding AP, vertical, and linear growth of the NP and its area (P > 0.05). ConclusionsPatients with repaired CP had downward deviated posterior maxilla, more linear growth in cranial-maxillary dimension and larger area compared to normal subjects. Among CP subtypes, a balanced growth was observed among repaired UCLP and BCLP patients, suggesting that with appropriate repaired surgery, normal development of the NP region could be expected in these subtypes.

Comparison of dentofacial morphology between parents of children with and without craniofacial anomalies using cephalogram imaging.

To compare cephalometric parameters in parents of children with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and parents of children without any craniofacial anomaly. A sample of 100 sets of parents were segregated into two groups of 50 parents each. The two groups included parents of children with BCLP and the parents of children with no craniofacial anomaly. Lateral cephalograms and postero-anterior (PA) cephalograms were examined for 100 parents of both the BCLP and control group, respectively. Tracings were scrutinized for 34 linear and angular parameters of dentocraniofacial skeleton. Data were analysed using unpaired Student's t-test. Result: Evaluated lateral cephalograms revealed 15 significant parameters in parents of children with BCLP including a significant increase in Ptm-S, maxillary length, SNA, articular angle and gonial angle. A significant decrease was noted in SN length, cranial base flexion, mandibular length, mandibular body length, total facial height, upper facial height, posterior facial height, Y-axis length and soft tissue total anterior facial height. Upon evaluation of PA cephalograms, four significant parameters were found in parents of children with BCLP. Cranial width, bizygomatic width, maxillary width and lateral interorbital width were significantly decreased in the parents of children with BCLP. Distinct dentocraniofacial morphological features have been found in parents of children with BCLP. Evaluation of these features might be the key to predicting the occurrence of clefts in their children and also planning for future linkage analysis studies amongst them.

Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Nasal Deformity

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have demonstrated variation in nasolabial indices across racial and ethnic groups. Anthropometric data on the racial and ethnic differences in the cleft nasal deformity at the age for definitive rhinoplasty can provide a foundation for operative planning. This study used three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry measurements to provide a comprehensive nasolabial analysis of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), and controls across multiple races and ethnicities. METHODS: A retrospective review of three-dimensional images of patients with UCLP and BCLP captured before orthognathic surgery or definitive cleft rhinoplasty was performed. The patients were separated by self-reported identifiers as Caucasian, Hispanic, or African American. Twelve measurements (millimeters) were collected: dorsum length, nasal protrusion, columellar height, columellar width, tip width, alar width, alar base width, nasolabial angle, upper lip length, philtrum length, nostril height, and nostril width. An equal number of age, sex, race, and ethnicity matched control patients were analyzed. Two-sample t tests were performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Total patients included 90 UCLP, 43 BCLP, and 90 controls. UCLP Caucasians, Hispanics, and African Americans similarly had significantly greater columellar width and tip width and lesser nasolabial angle than respective controls. Caucasian UCLP alar width (33.66 ± 3.12) and alar base width (33.66 ± 3.51) were significantly greater than matched controls (31.21 ± 2.54; 31.33 ± 2.18). Hispanic UCLP alar width (37.52 ± 3.46) and alar base width (36.77 ± 2.81) were significantly greater than matched controls (35.00 ± 3.20; 35.13 ± 3.08). African American UCLP alar width (41.63 ± 3.43) and alar base width (41.93 ± 3.78) were not significantly different from matched controls (39.17 ± 3.35; 40.56 ± 3.97). BCLP Caucasians, Hispanics, and African Americans similarly had significantly greater columellar width and tip width than respective controls. Caucasian BCLP alar width (37.66 ± 0.77), alar base width (38.06 ± 0.65), and nostril width (12.54 ± 1.68) were significantly greater than matched controls (31.21 ± 2.54, 31.33 ± 2.18, 10.34 ± 1.01). Hispanic BCLP alar width (38.75 ± 3.79), alar base width (38.73 ± 3.35), and nostril width (13.23 ± 2.13) were significantly greater than matched controls (35.00 ± 3.20; 35.13 ± 3.08; 11.92 ± 2.13). African American BCLP alar width (40.88 ± 3.92), alar base width (40.56 ± 3.97), and nostril width (13.01 ± 2.07) were not significantly different from matched controls (39.17 ± 3.35; 40.56 ± 3.97; 14.00 ± 1.45). Across UCLP groups the African American group had significantly less nasal protrusion (17.84 ± 1.38) and columellar height (8.96 ± 0.85) and significantly greater columellar width (9.56 ± 1.58) than Caucasians (20.18 ± 1.93, 10.57 ± 1.45, 8.48 ± 1.07), and Hispanics (21.14 ± 2.12, 10.83 ± 1.96, 8.26 ± 1.51). Caucasian alar width (33.66 ± 3.12), alar base width (33.66 ± 3.51), and affected nostril width (10.80 ± 1.51) were significantly lesser than Hispanics (37.52 ± 3.46, 36.77 ± 2.81, 12.04 ± 2.28) and the same measures in both Caucasians and Hispanics were significantly lesser than African Americans (41.63 ± 3.43, 41.93 ± 3.78, 13.96 ± 2.43). Across BCLP groups, there were no significant difference in measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The UCLP deformity differs between groups in alar width and alar base width. African Americans further differ in nasal protrusion, columellar height, and columellar width. The BCLP deformity does not differ between groups. The findings demonstrate that when correcting alar width, alar base width, tip refinement, and projection racially and ethnically congruent goals should be used to better approximate normal appearance.

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

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). Retrospective study. Tertiary hospital. Twenty-seven patients with complete BCLP and 27 class I control patients, aged 10 to 14 years. The pharyngeal airway volume and craniofacial morphology were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography. Measurements were compared between groups and any correlations were identified. 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. 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.

Abstract 148: Natural Trajectory Of Midface Growth In Unoperated Cleft Defects: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis

Purpose: Orofacial cleft deformities are prevalent congenital defects which can affect approximately 7.75 neonates out of every 10,000 live births in the United States. After surgical repair of the orofacial cleft, high rates of midface hypoplasia requiring orthognathic repair has been reported in the literature. The etiology of this midface hypoplasia is incompletely understood. Popular belief suggests that either an intrinsic growth retardation of the maxilla or scar tissue formation and disruption of the natural growth plates caused by surgical repair is responsible for the increased rates of midface hypoplasia. In various countries with less access to surgical care, older patients with unoperated clefts have been examined to gauge the underlying growth potential of the maxilla untouched by surgical intervention. However, as a result of small patient populations in each individual study, limited conclusions can be drawn. We, therefore, perform a meta-analysis of studies examining maxillary cephalometric measurements in unoperated cleft patients to gain a more complete understanding of the cleft palate’s underlying growth potential. Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines in the PubMed database. Studies were included for their focus on cephalometric measurements in unoperated and operated cleft patients, or maxillary growth mechanics in cleft deformity patients. Means and standard deviations of SNA, SNB, and ANB angles were collected from patients who possessed unoperated unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), and isolated cleft palate groups (ICP). Age-matched control groups were abstracted from the papers and compiled for comparisons against the cleft groups. Statistical analysis was run with independent parametric t-tests. Results: A total of 155 peer reviewed articles in the appropriate patient population were included in the study. From these, 10 and 28 articles included the appropriate cephalometric measurements in unoperated patients and operated cleft patients, respectively. SNA angles of the UCLP and BCLP groups demonstrated significant increases from the control group and operated groups (84.5 ± 4.0° vs. 82.3 ± 3.5° and 76.2 ± 4.2°, p≤0.001) and (85.8 ± 2.8° vs. 82.3 ± 3.5° and 80.9 ± 3.8° p≤0.001), respectively. Unoperated ICP demonstrated a decrease in SNA angle vs. the control group (79.2 ± 4.2° vs. 82.3 ± 3.5° p≤0.001) and no change when compared to the operated group (79.2 ± 4.2° vs. 79.0 ± 4.3° p=0.78). Conclusion: In patients with unoperated cleft deformities, the maxilla does not exhibit the degree of midface hypoplasia typically seen after operative repair. This suggests that midface hypoplasia could be attributable to extrinsic factors. More studies are required to delineate the contributing factors to midface hypoplasia typically seen after operative repair.

Evaluation of Congenital Maxillary Growth Using Computed Tomography in Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

To analyze congenital lateral maxillary growth for patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). A retrospective study. Kanagawa Children's Medical Center. Images from computed tomography (CT) of patients with BCLP and control patients that were previously used for treatment. The following landmarks were used: A, the posterior most point of the piriform aperture; B, the superior most point of the acoustic meatus; C, the point at which line A-B intersects the line drawn perpendicular from line A-B to the maxillary tuberosity; and D, the apical most point of the nasal bone. The following distances were then measured using these landmarks: (1) A-B distance; (2) A-C distance; (3) A-C/A-B; (4) the angle between lines A-B and A-D (∠BAD); and (5) B-D distance. Mean A-B and A-C distances and A-C/A-B were significantly smaller in the BCLP group than in the control group (P < .01 each). Mean ∠BAD was significantly larger in the BCLP group than in the control group (P < .01). Mean B-D distance did not differ significantly between groups. Our results indicated that the lateral maxillary segments of patients with BCLP were more posterior than those of the control group, and segment length was shorter compared to the control group on 3D-CT analysis. The lateral maxillary segments of patients with BCLP were basically suggested to originally be underdeveloped.

Three-dimensional evaluation of mandibular volume in patients with cleft lip and palate during the deciduous dentition period.

To examine the relationship between mandibular volume and craniofacial morphology in patients with cleft lip and palate using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to compare these findings with control (noncleft) patients undergoing CBCT for other purposes during the deciduous dentition period. Eighty-four patients were categorized into the unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA) group (n = 25; mean age, 4.60 ± 0.40 years), unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) group (n = 23; mean age, 4.52 ± 0.39 years), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) group (n = 22; mean age, 4.54 ± 0.37 years), and control group without cleft (n = 14; mean age, 5.19 ± 0.52 years). Mandibular volume and craniofacial cephalometric measurements were obtained using CBCT. All measurements were assessed by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using Bonferroni post hoc pairwise comparison tests. ANCOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in mandibular volume among the groups. SNA° and ANB° were significantly larger in the UCLA and BCLP groups than in the control group. SN-MP° was smallest in the UCLA group. Co-A in the UCLP group was shorter than in the UCLA and BCLP groups. Go-Gn was shortest in the UCLP and BCLP groups compared with the control group. Three-dimensional evaluation of craniofacial morphology using CBCT can provide valuable information on malocclusion and other dentoskeletal problems among patients with CLP.

Craniofacial Morphology in Patients With Opitz G/BBB Syndrome

To compare the cephalometric characteristics of patients with and without Opitz G/BBB syndrome type I. Cross-sectional, case-control study. Tertiary cleft center in Brazil. Eighteen individuals with Opitz G/BBB syndrome with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), compared to 18 individuals with nonsyndromic complete cleft lip and palate and 18 individuals without malformations, matched for gender and age. Pretreatment lateral cephalograms of all patients were manually traced and digitized for achievement of linear and angular measurements. Analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis followed by Tukey tests were used for intergroup comparisons at a significance level of P < .05. Individuals with Opitz G/BBB syndrome exhibited alterations in SNGn, P-Co, and N'-Pr/Po-Or that were not attributable to BCLP. Co-Go, Sella-Nasion-Supramentale, ANB (maxillo-mandibular relationship), and anterior nasal spine-posterior nasal spine (ANS-PNS)/U1A-U1T were significantly different in both G/BBB and BCLP groups compared to control, but not different between G/BBB and BCLP groups. Anterior nasal spine-posterior nasal spine/Go-Gn, ANS-PNS, V-Upper pharyngeal wall, and U-lower pharyngeal wall were different in nonsyndromic BLCP compared to nonsyndromic controls and Opitz G/BBB group. Patients with Opitz G/BBB syndrome exhibited some unique cephalometric alterations compared to patients with nonsyndromic complete BCLP and controls.

Columella Elongation Surgery Outcome in Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

Background:The evaluation of surgical outcomes is needed to achieve excellence in nasal reconstruction of patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). The study objective is to evaluate the quality of nasal aesthetics after the columella elongation surgery.Methods:The sample of this study consisted of 70 patients with complete BCLP, operated on columella elongation surgery and analyzed at 6 to 12 years. The system for evaluation of nasal appearance after the columella elongation surgery was performed by objective and subjective analyses.Anthropometric Measurements:Four anthropometric nose measurements were performed directly on the faces, and the same was performed in control group (60 children without oral clefts), paired by age and sex with the experimental group. The measurements were repeated 3 times (triplicate).Subjective Analysis:Scores to evaluate nasal width, nasal tip projection, and length of the columella were applied before and after the columella elongation surgery by 5 raters from the rehabilitation team. Interrater and intrarater agreement was calculated by means of the kappa test.Results:Nasal width in BCLP group was higher when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Nasal tip projection (subnasal–pronasal) and columella length (subnasal–columella) were decreased in BCLP group compared to that of the controls (P < 0.05). Columella width was similar in both study groups (P > 0.05). All scores of nasal aesthetics significantly improved after the columella elongation surgery.Conclusions:Nose of the patients with BCLP is wider, is less projected, and has the shorter columella compared to that of the noncleft subjects. After secondary columella elongation surgery in BCLP, nasal width, nasal projection, and columella length significantly improved.

Upper Airway 3D Changes of Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate After Orthognathic Surgery.

The purpose of this study was to 3-dimensionally assess the airway characteristics of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) who underwent orthognathic surgery. This was a retrospective study. The study took place at a national referral center for cleft lip and palate rehabilitation. The sample comprised cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained before and after orthognathic surgery of 15 individuals (30 CBCT scans), divided into 2 groups: UCLP group (n = 9 patients/18 CBCT scans) and BCLP group (n = 6/12 CBCT scans). All patients had a nonsyndromic UCLP or BCLP and a skeletal class III malocclusion at the preoperative period. Airway volume, pharyngeal minimal cross-sectional area (mCSA), location of mCSA, sella-nasion-A point (SNA) and sella-nasion-B point (SNB) angles, and condylion-A point and condyloid-gnathion linear measurements were assessed in open-source software (ITK-SNAP and SlicerCMF). Airway dimensions of patients with UCLP and BCLP increase after orthognathic surgery. After orthognathic surgery, UCLP group showed a significant 20% increase in nasopharynx volume. Although not significant, BCLP group also showed an increase of 18% in the same region. Minimal cross-sectional area remained dimensionally stable after surgery and was all located in the oropharynx region, on both groups. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between volume and mCSA on both groups. Overall, individuals with UCLP and BCLP showed an increase in the upper airway after orthognathic surgery and this might explain the breathing and sleep improvements reported by the patients after the surgery.