Midfacial morphology in adult unoperated complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients

To examine lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult unoperated cleft lip and palate patients for the purpose of clarifying whether maxillary deficiencies observed in treated cleft patients result from intrinsic defects or surgical intervention early in life.

This retrospective study examined lateral cephalograms of 30 adult patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP). The lateral cephalograms were traced and evaluated for size and position of the cranial base, maxilla, maxillary dentition, mandible, and mandibular dentition as well as for vertical relationships. Comparisons with 30 adult noncleft individuals were made.

In unoperated adult cleft lip and palate patients, the cranial base angle was increased with the anterior cranial base reduced in length. The maxilla was found to be normal in size and somewhat prognathic in position. Both the maxillary and mandibular incisors were relatively upright. The mandible was smaller in size and posteriorly positioned.

The potential for normal growth of the maxilla exists in patients with CUCLP. It is likely that disturbances of maxillary growth in surgically operated cleft patients are related primarily to the surgical intervention.