Skeletal Development And Upper Airway Features In Individuals With Non-syndromic Unilateral Cleft Lip And Palate

Objective:The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between skeletal development and the upper airway of patients with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate(UCLP).Methods:The sample comprised 30 non-syndromic UCLP patients(23 males and 7 females;mean[standard deviation(SD)]age 10.83±1.51)and 30 healthy skeletal class Ⅰ controls(23 males and 7 females;mean[SD]age:11.1 ± 1.40)from the Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery departments in the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology,Nanjing Medical University,China.All cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT)images were taken with the participant in a standard supine position and bite with intercuspal position(ICP)but not to swallow or move their heads or tongues during scanning.Dolphin imaging software was used to measure craniofacial measurements by two-dimensional and three-dimensional methods.In addition,the total volume,nasopharyngeal volume,oropharyngeal volume,area in the sagittal and minimum cross-sectional area of the airway were measured.The results were analyzed by SPSS software.Results:2D measurements showed the UCLP group’ s SNA,SNB,ANB,maxillary length(PTM-ANS ‖ FH),maxillary position(S-PTM ‖ FH)and mandibular length(Co-Go)were significantly decreased than that of the control group.In addition,3D measurements showed that the UCLP group’s SNA,maxillary protrusion(A-N Perp),maxillary length(Co-A),mandibular length(Co-Gn)were significantly decreased than that of the control group.Patients with UCLP showed slightly decreased airway volumes and areas,but no significant difference compared with the controls.The total airway volume and minimum cross-sectional area in UCLP patient have relevance to the mandibular length(Go-Pog ‖ MP),SNA,SNB,FMA and posterior face height Conclusions:Patients with UCLP have both the maxillary and mandibular deficiencies in the sagittal and vertical dimensions and the airway volume and area show no significant difference compared with the controls.In addition,both the sagittal and vertical relationship of mandible will affect the airway volume and area But the position of the maxilla will also affect the airway of patients with cleft lip and palate.