Asymmetry of the maxilla in children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate

Craniofacial asymmetry was analyzed in 31 children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and compared to a group of 24 children with incomplete clefts of the lip (CL). Symmetry was evaluated from 32 variables on posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs. Two types of asymmetry were identified: In the first, there was a positional deviation and a change of arch shape of the maxillary segment on the cleft side. The basal maxillary width was similar in the two groups. At the dentoalveolar level a decrease in width was localized to the cleft side in the UCLP group. Maxillary height of the cleft segment was reduced. The second type was related to the anterior part of the maxilla and the nasal septum. The inferior border of the bony part of the nasal septum deviated towards the cleft side. The anterior nasal spine and the midpoint between the upper central incisors deviated toward the noncleft side, but to a different degree indicating a vertical tilting of the premaxillary region.