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Electroporation of Craniofacial Mesenchyme
Published on: November 28, 2011
Growth and Development of Craniofacial Structures in Patients at Different Ages With Unrepaired Submucous Cleft
Congcong Cao1, Xue Xu2, Qian Zheng3
1Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Insights
Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is linked to craniofacial differences, including a smaller maxilla and jaw issues, which worsen with age. These findings highlight progressive maxillary retrognathism in SMCP patients.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial morphology
- Pediatric dentistry
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is a rare subtype of cleft palate.
- Research on the craniofacial characteristics of SMCP patients is limited.
- Understanding these features is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a cephalometric comparison of craniofacial features in SMCP patients versus non-cleft controls.
- To analyze these features across different age groups (5-7, 9-11, and 18-30 years).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 60 SMCP patients with 60 non-cleft controls.
- Cephalometric analysis of craniofacial measurements including cranial base, maxillary, and mandibular dimensions.
- Statistical comparison using generalized linear models adjusted for age and gender.
Main Results:
- Younger SMCP patients (5-7 years) exhibited shortened cranial base, maxillary length/height, and pharyngeal depth.
- Older SMCP patients (9-11 and 18-30 years) showed reduced maxillary sagittal length, and an inharmonious jaw relationship.
- Progressive maxillary retrognathism and reduced facial convexity were observed in SMCP patients from childhood to adulthood.
Conclusions:
- Submucous cleft palate is associated with significant craniofacial alterations.
- These alterations, particularly maxillary retrognathism, progress with age.
- Cephalometric analysis provides valuable insights into SMCP-related craniofacial development.
Purpose:
Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is a particular subtype of cleft palate deformity; research related to the craniofacial features of patients with SMCP is comparatively rare. The study objective was to perform a cephalometric comparison of the craniofacial features of patients with SMCP and non-cleft controls at different ages.
Materials And Methods:
The sample in this cross-sectional study was composed of 2 groups: SMCP patients and non-cleft controls. The primary predictor variables were study group (cleft and non-cleft) and age. Age was divided into 3 groups. The outcome variables of interest were craniofacial measurements. The measurements used reflect cranial length, cranial angle, maxillary sagittal length and protrusion, maxillary vertical height, pharyngeal depth, facial height, mandibular length and protrusion, mandibular plane angle, and intermaxillary relation. Adjusted cephalometric craniofacial measurements between the groups were compared in 3 age groups using generalized linear models after being adjusted for age and gender.
Results:
The study included 60 SMCP patients and 60 non-cleft controls. SMCP patients and non-cleft controls were divided into 3 subgroups: those aged 5 to 7 years, those aged 9 to 11 years, and those aged 18 to 30 years. Patients with SMCP at age 5 to 7 years showed a shortened cranial base length, maxillary sagittal length and height, and bony pharynx depth. Patients with SMCP at age 9 to 11 years showed a smaller maxillary sagittal length and bony pharynx depth and an inharmonious jaw relationship. Patients with SMCP at age 18 to 30 years showed a smaller maxillary sagittal length and height and an inharmonious jaw relationship.
Conclusions:
SMCP is associated with progressive maxillary retrognathism and reduced profile convexity from childhood to adulthood.
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