Comparison of Transverse Craniofacial Dimensions Between Growing Individuals With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate and Age-and Sex-Matched Noncleft Controls

Objective: The study aimed to assess the transverse craniofacial dimensions of patients (age, 7-14 years) with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), compare these dimensions with those of noncleft individuals, and identify the correlations between the nasal and maxillary transverse widths of patients with UCLP. Design: A cross-sectional study. Participants: Eighty patients operated on for complete UCLP (UCLP group; 35 girls, 45 boys; median age: 10.7 [7.9-14] years) and 80 age- and sex-matched noncleft individuals (control group; 35 girls, 45 boys; median age: 10.7 [7.3-14] years). Interventions: Interorbital, bizygomatic, nasal, maxillary skeletal, maxillary molar, mandibular molar, and antegonial width measurements were performed using posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs. Intergroup comparisons were conducted by using the independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Correlation between the variables was examined using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The bizygomatic, maxillary skeletal and molar, mandibular molar, and antegonial widths in the UCLP group were significantly less than those in the control group ( P < .05). A positive correlation was found between the maxillary skeletal and nasal widths ( r = 0.550, P < .001) and between the maxillary molar and nasal widths ( r = 0.560, P < .001). Conclusions: In individuals with UCLP, the bizygomatic, maxillary skeletal and molar, mandibular molar, and antegonial widths were significantly less than those in noncleft individuals. As the maxillary skeletal and dental widths presented a positive correlation with the nasal width, a decrease in nasal width must be considered when maxillary constriction is noted.