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Published on: September 19, 2015
Abnormal maxillary trapezoid pattern in human fetal cleft lip and palate
Soung Min Kim1, Young Joon Lee, Sang Shin Lee
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kangnung National University, Gangeung, Korea.
Summary
Abnormal maxillary trapezoid (MT) growth patterns were observed in fetuses with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The MT shape is a sensitive indicator for analyzing maxillary malformations in various CLP types.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial development
- Pediatric surgery
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are common congenital conditions affecting facial development.
- Understanding prenatal maxillary growth is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate aberrant growth patterns in human fetal maxillae associated with CLP.
- To identify specific maxillary trapezoid (MT) dimensional changes in fetuses with CLP.
Main Methods:
- Radiographic analysis of 71 fetal maxillae with CLP.
- Measurement of maxillary trapezoid (MT) dimensions, formed by maxillary primary growth centers (MxPGC).
- Comparison of CLP maxillae dimensions with those of normal fetuses.
Main Results:
- Prenatal CLP maxillae exhibited severely arrested MT growth, leading to abnormal MT shape.
- Bilateral cleft lip-alveolar cleft or cleft palate (BCL+A/BCLP) showed the most marked MT abnormalities.
- Nasal septum protrusion and deviation were observed in CLP subjects, varying by cleft type.
Conclusions:
- The maxillary trapezoid (MT) plays a significant role in CLP development.
- MT shape serves as a sensitive indicator for assessing maxillary malformations in different CLP classifications.

