Transverse maxillary growth in combined cleft lip and palate. A longitudinal roentgencephalometric study by the...

Transverse maxillary growth was studied radiographically by the metallic implant method in 5 Danish boys with combined cleft lip and palate. The study covered the age range of five to 20 years with individual observation periods of 9 to 12 years. Lip closure and palate closure had been performed at two months and 24 months of age respectively by conventional methods. Orthodontic treatment was carried out in all cases. The maxillary width was determined from posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs as the distance between metallic implants inserted at the lower aspect of the maxillary-zygomatic process on both sides. Other roentgencephalometric measurements were obtained for further estimate of the facial growth in width. Distance curves and velocity curves for these measurements and for body weight were constructed and compared. The growth curves for maxillary width differed definitely from normal and indicated that the spontaneous transverse palatal growth was inhibited in these patients.