Photogrammetric assessment of the soft tissue profile in unilateral cleft lip and palate
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David R Bearn1, Jonathan R Sandy, William C Shaw
1University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. david.bearn@man.ac.uk
Insights
Analyzing soft tissue profiles in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate using profile photographs is a reliable method. Key facial measurements correlate with expert panel assessments, offering valuable insights for treatment evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial surgery
- Pediatric plastic surgery
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) presents unique challenges in facial development.
- Accurate assessment of the soft tissue profile is crucial for evaluating treatment outcomes in UCLP patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the soft tissue profile of children with UCLP using profile photographs.
- To assess the reliability and validity of using profile photographs for soft tissue analysis in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 175 Caucasian children (aged 12-14) with UCLP in the UK.
- Seven angular measurements were performed using Dentofacial Planner Plus software on cleft and non-cleft side profile photographs.
- An expert panel rated the overall profile appearance.
Main Results:
- Measurement reliability was acceptable for most parameters, with good consistency between cleft and non-cleft sides.
- The nasolabial angle, maxillary prominence, and facial convexity were significantly associated with the panel's profile ratings.
- The labiomental fold measurement (li-sm(s)-pg(s)) showed lower reliability.
Conclusions:
- Soft tissue profile analysis from standardized photographs is a reliable and robust method for assessing UCLP patients.
- Objective photographic measurements correlate with subjective expert panel assessments, supporting its clinical utility.
- This method provides valuable data for monitoring growth and treatment efficacy in UCLP.
Objective:
To describe the soft tissue profile of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate from profile photographs and assess the reliability of this method.
Design:
Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.
Setting:
A national study in the United Kingdom.
Subjects:
Caucasian children born in the United Kingdom between April 1, 1982, and March 31, 1984, and aged between 12 and 14 years at data collection. A cleft side and noncleft side profile photograph was available for each of 175 children.
Method:
Seven angular measurements were made using Dentofacial Planner Plus software, and the profile appearance was rated by an expert panel.
Results:
Reliability for repeated measurement of the same photograph was acceptable for all but li-sm(s)-pg(s) (labiomental fold). Similar levels of reliability were found when comparing measurements from the cleft side and non-cleft side photograph. Logistic regression showed that the variables nst-sn-ls (nasolabial angle), ss(s)-n(s)-pg(s) (maxillary prominence), and g(s)-prn-pg(s) (facial convexity) were associated with the profile score.
Conclusions:
Soft tissue profile analysis from photographs is reliable and robust under a range of conditions. Soft tissue profile measurements are associated with panel ratings of profile.
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