Cephalometric analysis of craniofacial morphology and growth in unrepaired isolated cleft palate patients

Y. Xu, C. Yang, W.H. Schreuder, J. Shi, S. Bing, Q. Zheng, Y. Wang, Bing Shi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study is to analyze the craniofacial morphology in patients with unrepaired isolated cleft palate (UICP) at childhood, adolescence and adulthood, in order to assess the influence of nonsurgical factors on the craniofacial growth in these patients.

Material and methods
Lateral and posteroanterior cephalograms of 106 non-syndromic UICP patients and 102 normal matched controls were obtained and analyzed. Patients and controls were divided into three subgroups: children (5-7 years), adolescents (12-14 years), and adults (>18 years).

Results
UICP patients in childhood showed a shortened cranial basal length; reduced bony nasopharyngeal height; short maxillary depth and height with a posterior positioned maxilla and an increased width of the nasal cavity, maxilla and orbit; and a shortened mandibular length and height. UICP patients in adulthood showed a normal nasopharyngeal and mandibular morphology. However, the patients in this subgroup still showed a shortened cranial basal length, and short maxillary depth and anterior height with increased width of the nasal cavity, maxilla and orbit.

Conclusions
Craniofacial morphology and growth in patients with UICP were significantly affected by nonsurgical factors. Growth of the cranial base and upper face were absolutely reduced, while growth of the bony nasopharynx and mandible were only postponed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1853-1860
JournalJournal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume42
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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