Retrognathic maxilla in individuals born with oral clefts is due to intrinsic factors and not only due to early surgical treatment

ObjectivesTo determine if the skeletal form of individuals born with oral clefts was associated with maxillary position.Materials and MethodsLateral cephalometric radiographs of 90 individuals 8 to 12 years old born with or without cleft lip and palate paired by age and sex were used. Skull base length, cranial base angle, cranial deflection angle, and maxillary skeletal length and position were studied. Also, mandibular skeletal length and position, lower anterior facial height, and dental position were defined. Individuals were divided into three groups: 30 individuals born with cleft lip and palate with Class III malocclusion (UCLP Class III), 30 individuals born with cleft lip and palate with Class I malocclusion (UCLP Class I), and 30 individuals born without cleft lip and palate with Class III malocclusion (non-cleft Class III).ResultsWhen comparing the UCLP Class III group with the UCLP Class I group, there were differences in maxillary position (P < .001) and mandibular position (P = .004) found. No differences were found when comparing the UCLP Class III group with the non-cleft Class III group.ConclusionsThere are intrinsic factors that affect craniofacial morphology of individuals born with cleft lip and palate.     

Early assessment of dental arch development in repaired unilateral cleft lip and unilateral cleft lip and palate versus controls.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dental arch relationships and dimensions, relative to an age matched noncleft sample, in Caucasian 3-year-old children with repaired unilateral cleft lip (UCL) or unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional, case-control study performed in Scotland, U.K. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven children with repaired unilateral cleft lip, 16 children with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate, and 78 children as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dental arch relationships and linear arch dimensions. RESULTS: Prevalence of Class III incisor relationship was 31.3% in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate compared with 9.1% in children with unilateral cleft lip. A buccal crossbite was present in 36% of children with unilateral cleft lip, compared with 75.6% of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate.Mean linear maxillary arch dimensions did not differ significantly between children with unilateral cleft lip and the controls. Except for second intermolar width, statistically significant differences existed in mean linear maxillary arch dimensions between the unilateral cleft lip and the unilateral cleft lip and palate groups; the mean linear maxillary arch dimensions were significantly greater in the control group than in the unilateral cleft lip and palate group. The mean cleft-affected anterior quadrant length appeared to be the arch dimension with the greatest power of discrimination among the three groups. There were no significant differences in mean linear mandibular arch dimensions among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior crossbite was almost three times more common in the unilateral cleft lip and palate group than in the unilateral cleft lip group. Mean linear maxillary arch dimensions differed significantly between the unilateral cleft lip and palate group and the control group. There were no significant differences in mean linear maxillary arch dimensions between unilateral cleft lip and controls or between mean linear mandibular arch dimensions for unilateral cleft lip, unilateral cleft lip and palate, and controls.     

唇腭裂手术对上颌骨矢状向生长发育影响的研究

目的：研究唇腭裂手术对单侧完全性唇腭裂患者上颌骨矢状向生长发育的影响。方法：混合牙列期单侧完全性唇腭裂仅修复唇裂患者15例,唇腭裂术后患者18例;16岁以上恒牙列期单侧完全性唇腭裂仅修复唇裂患者15例,唇腭裂术后患者15例。所有患者均拍摄头颅定位侧位片,测量分析矢状方向的线距和角度;分别以相应年龄段的非唇腭裂正常者作为对照,采用SPSS11.0软件包对数据进行单因素方差分析（ANOVA）。结果：混合牙列期单侧完全性唇腭裂仅修复唇裂患者表现为上颌长度缩短,而唇腭裂术后患者除上颌长度的缩短外,还存在上颌位置后缩;16岁以上恒牙列单侧完全性唇腭裂仅修复唇裂患者主要表现为上颌位置后缩,存在明显Ⅲ类倾向,术后患者上颌位置后缩外,上颌长度也缩短。结论：唇裂手术及早期腭裂手术对上颌骨矢状向生长可能有干扰作用。     

Effect of alveolar bone grafting on maxillary growth in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients

This cephalometric study reports the extent to which maxillary growth may be impaired by grafting of alveolar bone during the period of mixed dentition. The analysis is confined to subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The craniofacial dimensions of a group of 28 children who underwent grafting before the age of 12 years were compared by t-test to those of a nongrafted group (N = 30) at 9 and 16 years of age. In addition, two multiple-regression analyses were performed, the second on a group of 70 subjects with UCLP who received a bone graft between the ages of 8 and 15 years. The principal finding was that bone grafting, even when performed on those as young as 8 or 9 years, had no adverse effect on anteroposterior or vertical maxillary growth. This may be attributable to postponement of grafting until most anteroposterior and transverse growth of the anterior maxilla had ceased and to the grafted tissue's ability to participate in the vertical development of the alveolar process.     

唇裂修复术对上颌骨生长发育影响的初步探讨

目的：进一步了解唇裂修复手术对唇裂伴牙槽突裂和唇腭裂患者上颌骨生长发育影响方面的差异及其机制,方法：将84例唇裂修复术后患者分为唇裂伴牙槽突裂、唇腭裂唇裂修复组和唇腭裂均修复组,并设健康对照组,摄定位头颅线片并测量分析。结果：唇裂修复术对唇腭裂组上凳骨生长发育的影响明显大于唇裂伴牙槽突裂组,结论：唇腭裂的裂与组织缺损是导致唇裂修复影响上颌骨生长的重要原因。     

Hard palate repair timing and facial growth in unilateral cleft lip and palate: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether timing of hard palate repair had a significant effect on facial growth in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal study. SETTING: Sri Lankan Cleft Lip and Palate Project. PATIENTS: A total of 104 patients with nonsyndromic UCLP who had hard palate repair by age 13 years, with their 290 cephalometric radiographs taken after lip and palate repair. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical notes were used to record surgical treatment histories. Cephalometry was used to determine facial morphology and growth rate. RESULTS: Timing of hard palate repair had a significant effect on the length and protrusion of the alveolar maxilla (PMP-A and SNA, respectively) and the anteroposterior alveolar jaw relation (ANB) at age 20 years but not on their growth rates. CONCLUSION: Timing of hard palate repair significantly affects the growth of the maxilla in patients with UCLP. Late hard palate repair has a smaller adverse effect than does early hard palate repair on the growth of the maxilla. This timing effect primarily affects the anteroposterior development of the maxillary dentoalveolus and is attributed to the development being undisturbed before closure of the hard palate.     

Maxillary and sella turcica morphology in newborns with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: The first aim was to examine maxillary developmental fields by analyzing bone size parameters within the maxillary bone complex in newborns with unilateral cleft lip (UCL) and unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The second aim was to evaluate sella turcica morphology in unilateral cleft lip and unilateral cleft lip and palate. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Axial and profile radiographs from 40 newborns (boy-girl, 1:1) in each group (20 unilateral cleft lip and 20 unilateral cleft lip and palate) were randomly selected among radiographs taken for optimizing treatment planning. Analysis of maxillary bone size was performed on axial radiographs and size parameters were measured. Furthermore, analysis of sella turcica morphology was performed on profile radiographs. The results were divided into groups with normal morphology and severe deviations in the morphology. RESULTS: The maxillary areas were significantly shorter and broader in unilateral cleft lip and palate than in unilateral cleft lip. A profound asymmetry in the maxillary areas was seen in unilateral cleft lip and palate, but not in unilateral cleft lip. In both cleft types, approximately half of the individuals had deviations in sella turcica morphology. The most severe deviations occurred in newborns with unilateral cleft lip and palate. CONCLUSIONS: In newborns with unilateral cleft lip and palate, the maxillary areas are significantly shorter, broader, and more asymmetric than in newborns with unilateral cleft lip. The present study showed that bone structures are a suitable parameter for characterizing the craniofacial developmental fields. Additionally, a high incidence of deviations in sella turcica morphology might indicate that this area is affected in individuals with clefts.     

Cephalometric findings in a normal Nigerian population sample and adult Nigerians with unrepaired clefts

Cephalometric values have been established for twenty adult Nigerians, three adults with unrepaired unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA) and two adults with unrepaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Normal values for SNA and SNB were 85.5 degrees +/- 3.5 and 82.7 degrees +/- 3.2 respectively, and the mean ANB values were 3.1 degrees +/- 0.8. The cephalometric data for unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA) subjects whose clefts were not repaired until adulthood did not differ significantly from normal controls. However, in two adults with unrepaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), the SNA values were less than normal controls and the ANB values were reduced to negative levels. Bimaxillary protrusion of the incisors appears to be a normal feature in Nigerians. There appears to be inhibition of maxillary growth in UCLP patients but not in UCLA cases.     

Morphologic and management characteristics of individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate who required maxillary advancement.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate factors that may contribute to maxillary hypoplasia requiring maxillary advancement surgery in individuals with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). METHODS: This retrospective, longitudinal study used lateral cephalometric radiographs and chart reviews of 16 nonsyndromic UCLP individuals who underwent Le Fort I maxillary advancement and 16 controls matched for cleft type, age, and gender. Cephalometric measurements were made at three time points (T1, T2, and T3): mean ages of 10.7, 13.3, and 15.8 years for the Le Fort group and 10.11, 12.9, and 15.7 years, respectively, for the control group. Information regarding team care, timing and number of surgical procedures, and number of congenitally missing teeth were determined from clinical records. RESULTS: The Le Fort group had significant maxillary hypoplasia at all time points compared to the UCLP controls, indicated by midface length measurements, ANB and Wit's analysis (p < .001). The Le Fort group had twice the number of palatal surgical procedures and number of missing teeth in the maxillary arch as compared with the cleft controls. Most of the control group had consistent team care, while most of the surgical group did not. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary hypoplasia that will require a Le Fort I advancement can be determined as early as age 10. Multiple missing maxillary teeth, secondary palate procedures including pharyngeal flaps, and inconsistent team care with delayed orthodontic intervention are contributing factors to maxillary underdevelopment.     

前方牵引治疗单侧完全性唇腭裂患者术后前牙反[牙合]畸形的研究

目的探讨前方牵引治疗单侧完全性唇腭裂（UCLP）患者术后前牙反[牙合]畸形的效果。方法进行前瞻性临床研究设计,UCLP术后骨性前牙反[牙合]患者治疗组18例,年龄9．63±1．24岁,观察对照组14例,平均8．71±1．92岁,均处于生长发育高峰前期。使用前方牵引进行治疗,治疗或观察前后拍摄头颅侧位片并测量,进行成组设计和配对设计t检验。结果UCLP治疗组前方牵引后,上颌骨前移;下颌后移合并后下旋转;上下颌间关系和面型改善明显,上颌与下颌改变的比值为1：1．7。对照组上下颌不调、前牙反覆盖、凹面型加重。结论UCLP术后轻中度骨性前牙反[牙合]畸形,前方牵引能够促进上颌骨向前,改善上下颌骨关系和软组织面型,应该早期矫形治疗。     

Associations between severity of clefting and maxillary growth in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated with infant orthopedics.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine possible associations between severity of clefting in infants and maxillary growth in children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of measurements made on infant maxillary study casts and maxillary cephalometric variables obtained at 5 to 6 years of follow-up. SETTING: The study was performed at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery of New York University Medical Center, New York, New York. PATIENTS: Twenty-four consecutive nonsyndromic unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patients treated during the years 1987 to 1994. INTERVENTIONS: All the patients received uniform treatment (i.e., presurgical orthopedics followed by gingivoperiosteoplasty to close the alveolar cleft combined with repair of the lip and nose in a single stage at the age of 3 to 4 months). Closure of the palate was performed at the age of 12 to 14 months. RESULTS: Infant maxillary study cast measurements correlated in a statistically significant manner with maxillary cephalometric measurements at age 5 to 6 years. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the large variation in the severity of unilateral cleft lip and palate deformity at birth. Patients with large clefts and small arch circumference, arch length, or both demonstrated less favorable maxillary growth than those with small clefts and large arch circumference or arch length at birth.     

唇腭裂患者与安氏I类错牙合患者上颌骨发育比较

目的：探讨唇腭裂患者与安氏I类错牙合患者上颌骨发育的差异。方法：选取单侧完全性唇腭裂（complete unilateral cleft lip and palate,UCLP）50例、单侧完全性唇裂（complete unilateral cleft lip,UCL）28例,按不同颈椎骨龄分期分为3组,将其与相同发育期的安氏I类患者头影测量数据进行比较。结果：在所有发育期,UCLP的SNA（°）ANB （°）U1－U6（mm）均较安氏I类错牙合者小。CS1－6期结果显示：UCLP的SNA（°）ANB（°）U1－U6均值分别较安氏I类错牙合者小7．07°、4．05°、5．56 mm,SN－PP（°）均值较安氏I类错牙合者大3．98°。UCLP患者ANS－PNS（mm）、U1－PP（mm）等随发育较安氏I类错牙合者逐渐减小的趋势;结论：UCLP患者较安氏I类错牙合上颌位置靠后,上颌矢状向长度不足,腭平面顺时针旋转,上前牙舌倾。UCL患者上颌骨大小及位置与安氏I类错牙合相似。     

Pharyngeal flap and facial growth

The present study addressed two questions. Does the skeletal pattern of children with cleft lip and palate who require a pharyngeal flap differ from children with similar clefts who do not? Following a pharyngeal flap does the pattern of facial development change? Skeletal form prior to pharyngeal flap was compared using cephalograms in 52 subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who subsequently received a superiorly based pharyngeal flap and 52 UCLP controls matched for sex and age. The flap group had slightly smaller maxillary length and anterior face heights and greater mandibular protrusion (p less than 0.5) before the pharyngeal flaps were done. Preoperative and five year (minimum) postoperative records were analyzed for 29 early pharyngeal flap cases and 29 matched controls. Subsequent growth demonstrated some assimilation of the flap group with the controls, but repeated measures analysis of variance failed to identify any important differences in growth after pharyngeal flap, suggesting that the superiorly based pharyngeal flap carries no systematic risk of interference with facial growth.     

前方牵引治疗唇腭裂术后与非唇腭裂前牙反(牙合)疗效的比较

目的探讨生长发育高峰前期单侧完全性唇腭裂(UCLP)术后前牙反与非唇腭裂前牙反患者对前方牵引治疗反应的异同,以利于UCLP前牙反的治疗。方法进行前瞻性临床研究设计,UCLP术后前牙反患者18例,年龄(9·6±1·2)岁;非唇腭裂前牙反患者18例,年龄(9·8±1·4)岁,均处于生长发育高峰前期。使用前方牵引进行治疗,治疗前后拍头颅侧位片并测量,进行成组设计和配对设计t检验。结果前方牵引治疗后UCLP组SNA增加1·45°,A-TFH增加2·19mm,非唇腭裂组SNA增加1·42°,A-TFH增加2·12mm,两组差异无统计学意义(P>0·05)。UCLP组SNB减小2·18°,ANB增加3·64°,MP/SN增加2·78°,LL-EP增加0·88mm;非唇腭裂组SNB减小1·32°,ANB增加2·68°,MP/SN增加1·47°,LL-EP减小1·37mm,两组差异有统计学意义(P<0·05)。结论通过前方牵引治疗,生长发育高峰前期UCLP术后轻中度骨性前牙反患者与非唇腭裂前牙反患者的上下颌骨关系、软组织面型得到改善。两组上颌骨对治疗的反应相似。UCLP组较非唇腭裂组颌间关系改变大,下颌向后向下旋转多;UCLP组患者治疗后下唇变化不如非唇腭裂组明显。     

A comparison of growth impairment and orthodontic results in adult patients with clefts of palate and unilateral clefts of lip, palate and alveolus

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the long-term aesthetic and functional results of surgical and orthodontic treatment in patients with cleft palate and unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus. DESIGN: 30 patients with unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus and 30 patients with isolated cleft palate, mean age of 18.9 years, were evaluated by cephalometric and model analysis a mean of 1.5 years after orthodontic treatment. In each group the surgical treatment has been similar. RESULTS: Model analysis: The sum of every mesiodistal tooth diameter in the maxilla and in the mandible was recorded according to the Bolton analysis. Twenty patients with unilateral cleft lip, palate and alveolus had relatively large upper dental arches and nine had relatively large lower dental arches. Twenty-two patients with cleft palates had large upper dental arches and seven had large mandibular arches. Eleven patients with unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus and 18 patients with cleft palate had a negative space supply (the sum of the mesiodistal tooth diameters compared with the sagittal length of the alveolar ridge) in the region of the lateral teeth. All patients had persistent transverse space deficits that were increased on the side of the cleft in patients with cleft lip, palate, and alveolus. These unilateral transversal space deficits were recorded in 22 patients with unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus and in 8 patients with isolated cleft palate. Sagittal measurements were reduced in 26 patients with unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus and in 23 patients with cleft palate alone. The alveolar midline of the maxilla and the mandible were displaced in 25 patients with unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus and in 19 patients with isolated cleft palate. Lateral cephalometric analysis: The lateral cephalograms taken at the same time as the models showed a mean SNA of 76.8 degrees and a NL-NSL angle of 8.7 degrees, indications of a tendency towards maxillary retrognathia in patients with unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus. Patients with cleft palate had a mean SNA of 79.6 degrees and NL-NSL angle of 8.1 degrees. The anterior facial vertical index was within normal limits in patients with cleft lip, palate, and alveolus (44% vs 56%). An anterior facial height index of 42% compared with 58% in patients with isolated cleft palate indicated a slight reduction in midface height with an increase in the lower face as a consequence. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic and surgical treatment can result in satisfactory results on model analysis. However, there is specific growth impairment of the maxilla 1.5 years after termination of orthodontic treatment and this influences the final cephalometric analysis, particularly in patients with cleft lip, palate, and alveolus.     

Midfacial morphology in adult unoperated complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients

OBJECTIVE: To examine lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult unoperated cleft lip and palate patients for the purpose of clarifying whether maxillary deficiencies observed in treated cleft patients result from intrinsic defects or surgical intervention early in life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study examined lateral cephalograms of 30 adult patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP). The lateral cephalograms were traced and evaluated for size and position of the cranial base, maxilla, maxillary dentition, mandible, and mandibular dentition as well as for vertical relationships. Comparisons with 30 adult noncleft individuals were made. RESULTS: In unoperated adult cleft lip and palate patients, the cranial base angle was increased with the anterior cranial base reduced in length. The maxilla was found to be normal in size and somewhat prognathic in position. Both the maxillary and mandibular incisors were relatively upright. The mandible was smaller in size and posteriorly positioned. CONCLUSIONS: The potential for normal growth of the maxilla exists in patients with CUCLP. It is likely that disturbances of maxillary growth in surgically operated cleft patients are related primarily to the surgical intervention.     

Cranial base and facial skeleton asymmetries in individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) manifest a plethora of phenotypic characteristics, including asymmetric development of the middle and lower facial skeleton. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the development of cranial base asymmetries in patients with UCLP noted on posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs. METHODS: Thirty individuals with UCLP and 64 controls participated in this study. Medial and lateral cranial base asymmetries were analyzed on frontal cephalometric radiographs relative to three developmental stages. Furthermore, the development of horizontal and vertical lower facial asymmetry in these patients with UCLP was assessed in relation to cranial base, nasomaxillary, and dentoalveolar structures. RESULTS: Individuals with UCLP demonstrated cranial base asymmetries that did not significantly differ from individuals without cleft. In addition, lower facial asymmetry in patients with UCLP correlated with horizontal lower facial and dentoalveolar asymmetries but not with cranial base or nasomaxillary structures. CONCLUSIONS: No significant vertical cranial base asymmetries were detected in patients with UCLP. Horizontal lower facial asymmetry appeared to develop in close relation to the vertical asymmetries of mandibular fossae and dentoalveolus.     

Mandibular asymmetry and antigonial notching in individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether asymmetric antigonial notching is associated with the development of mandibular and lower facial asymmetry in individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). DESIGN: Retrospective mixed-longitudinal investigation including UCLP and nonaffected orthodontic patients. PARTICIPANTS: All (24) available patients with UCLP treated in our clinic with complete longitudinal records, and 72 skeletal maturation matched noncleft orthodontic patients that served as controls. Subject records included hand-wrist, panoramic, frontal, and 45 degrees oblique cephalometric radiographs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The development of mandibular asymmetry, measured on oblique cephalometric radiographs, as well as lower facial asymmetry, measured on frontal cephalometric radiographs, was monitored in individuals with UCLP in relation to antigonial notching asymmetry, assessed on panoramic and oblique cephalometric radiographs. RESULTS: First, no statistical differences were found in antigonial notching asymmetry between patients with UCLP and noncleft controls. Second, antigonial notching asymmetry, observed on panoramic and oblique cephalometric radiographs, significantly correlated with the attendant development of mandibular and lower facial asymmetry in individuals with UCLP. Third, the development of mandibular and lower facial asymmetry at pubertal and postpubertal growth spurt stages significantly correlated with antigonial notching asymmetry, measured on panoramic radiographs, at prepubertal and pubertal growth spurt stages, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of antigonial notching noted on panoramic radiographs can be used as an early indicator of developing mandibular and lower facial asymmetry in individuals with UCLP.     

Mandibular morphology in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare mandibular morphology and spatial position in children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) treated at two different cleft centers (Hannover and Brussels) following different surgical treatment protocols. PATIENTS: A total of 62 Caucasian children (40 boys, 22 girls) with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were evaluated by means of conventional cephalometric analysis at approximately the age of 10 years. Data of both cleft groups were compared with a control, noncleft group (n = 40) matched according to age and sex. INTERVENTIONS: The Hannover children with cleft (n = 36) underwent lip repair at a mean age of 5.83 +/- 1.16 months. The hard and soft palates were closed at a mean age of 29.08 +/- 4.68 and 32.25 +/- 4.29 months, respectively. The Brussels children with cleft (n = 26) were treated according to the Malek surgical protocol with soft palate repair at a mean age of 3.04 +/- 0.20 months and simultaneous lip and hard palate repair at a mean age of 6.15 +/- 0.68 months. RESULTS: Statistical analysis (analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's test) showed a significant (p =.001) smaller mandibular ramus length (Co-Go) in the Brussels cleft group, compared with the control group. The Hannover-Brussels comparison data revealed that the S-N-B angle was significantly (p =.047) less in the Brussels cleft group. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of surgical procedures in patients with UCLP might not be restricted to the maxilla but could influence mandibular spatial position to the cranial base. Because of these positional changes of the mandible, both cleft groups showed facial balance.