Related Experiment Videos
Growth study including stereophotogrammetry of a pair of monozygotic twins, one having a cleft lip and palate
Insights
This study tracked the growth of identical twins, one with cleft lip and palate. Facial and dental development were compared between the affected twin and his healthy sibling.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial biology
- Pediatric growth and development
- Plastic surgery
Background:
- Longitudinal growth studies are crucial for understanding typical development and the impact of congenital conditions.
- Monozygotic twins provide a unique model for controlling genetic variables in growth research.
- Cleft lip and palate represent common congenital anomalies requiring surgical and orthodontic interventions.
Observation:
- Annual measurements of height, weight, and soft tissue facial growth via stereophotogrammetry were recorded from age 7 years 8 months to 18 years.
- Orthodontic study models documented dental development at less frequent intervals.
- Facial measurements captured soft tissue changes and surgical alterations from an Abbe flap procedure.
Findings:
- The study compared the craniofacial and dental growth trajectories of a twin with bilateral cleft lip and unilateral cleft palate against his unaffected monozygotic twin.
- Quantified soft tissue facial growth differences and surgical impacts in the cleft twin.
- Assessed the influence of the cleft condition and surgical repair on overall growth patterns.
Implications:
- Provides valuable data for clinicians managing children with cleft lip and palate, informing surgical timing and orthodontic treatment strategies.
- Highlights the utility of stereophotogrammetry in assessing facial growth and surgical outcomes in pediatric populations.
- Contributes to the understanding of growth modulation in response to congenital anomalies and reconstructive surgery.
Abstract:
This report is a serial growth study of a pair of monozygotic twin boys, one of whom suffered from a bilateral cleft of the lip and a unilateral cleft of the palate. Annual records for height and weight were registered from seven years eight months to 18 years 0 months. Soft tissue facial growth was also measured annually using short base stereophotogrammetry (Burke, 1967). Growth and development of the dentition was recorded as orthodontic study models at less frequent intervals. Measurements derived from the facial maps allowed not only measurement of soft tissue growth changes in the face, but also of surgical change to both lips related to an Abbe flap procedure carried out for the cleft twin. All changes are compared with those occurring in his monozygotic twin.