[Three-dimensional analysis of facial structure for unilateral cleft lip patients repaired by Millard's method]

To evaluate the aesthetic effect of Millard' s method in patients with unilateral cleft lip by three dimensional sensing system.

19 patients with unilateral cleft lip (class II: 7 cases, class III: 12 cases) were randomly selected. The pre- and postoperative 3-D facial profiles were recorded using a 3 DSS scanner. Then 3D geometric models were established by Geomagic Studio 10.0. In the software, columella length, nostril floor width, alar base-subnasale distance, alar length, upper lip height, lateral upper lip height and lip length were measured before and after lip repair respectively. Paired-samples T test and one-sample T test were used for statistical analysis with SPSS 12. 0 software package.

There were significant differences in the nostril floor width, alar base-subnasale distance, alar length and lip length before and after operation (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The ratio of asymmetry in normal people was no more than 0.1. There was significant difference in the asymmetry ratio of columella length and lateral upper lip height between postoperative class II patients and normal people (P < 0.05). There was significant difference in the asymmetry ratio of columella length, nostril floor width, alar base-suhnasale distance, lateral upper lip height and lip length between postoperative class III patients and normal people (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

Millard's technique is useful for repairing unilateral cleft lip in rebuilding nasal floor, the Cupid' bow and in correction of the columella deviation, except for a relatively insufficient lip height and columella length at the operated side. Besides, the nostril floor width at the operated side in class III patients is still wider than that at the opposite side.