Related Experiment Videos
The mandibular catch-up growth controversy in Pierre Robin sequence.
J Daskalogiannakis1, R B Ross, B D Tompson
1Division of Orthodontics, Department of Dentistry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jdask@hotmail.com
Summary
Patients with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) have significantly smaller mandibles compared to those with isolated cleft palates. This mandibular difference in PRS patients remains consistent after age five.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial morphology
- Pediatric dentistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a congenital condition characterized by mandibular hypoplasia, cleft palate, and glossoptosis.
- Isolated cleft palate is a common congenital condition affecting the palate without other major craniofacial anomalies.
- Understanding morphological differences is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare craniofacial and mandibular morphology between patients with PRS and isolated cleft palate.
- To identify specific differences in mandibular size and position.
- To analyze morphological changes longitudinally from childhood to late adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective longitudinal cephalometric study.
- Comparison of 96 PRS patients with 50 isolated cleft palate patients.
- 29 cephalometric measurements analyzed using computerized software at mean ages of 5.7, 10.6, and 17.0 years.
Main Results:
- The mandible was consistently smaller and sagittally positioned more posteriorly in the PRS group across all age points.
- Less pronounced differences were observed in palatal plane inclination, facial height proportions, and midface depth.
- The mandibular size discrepancy between the groups did not significantly change after age five.
Conclusions:
- Patients with PRS exhibit significantly smaller mandibles than those with isolated cleft palate.
- The observed mandibular morphology differences are established early and persist through adolescence.
- Cephalometric analysis provides valuable insights into the distinct craniofacial characteristics of PRS.