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Non-progressive mandibular changes in children with Type I and II craniofacial microsomia
Laura Kaprio1,2, Annemari Grann1, Junnu Leikola1
1Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) patients show stable mandibular symmetry during growth. Mild-type CFM does not appear to worsen over time, indicating consistent facial development.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial development
- Pediatric dentistry
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a congenital condition affecting facial bone development.
- Understanding mandibular growth patterns in CFM is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mandibular growth and symmetry in children with craniofacial microsomia from early childhood to adolescence.
- To determine if mandibular asymmetry in CFM patients progresses during growth.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 61 craniofacial microsomia patients was studied.
- Radiographic analysis (posteroanterior, panoramic, lateral cephalograms) of 40 patients meeting inclusion criteria.
- Measurements included ramus height, mandibular length, maxillary protrusion, and mandibular retrognathia across four age groups.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences were found in ramus height and mandibular length between groups.
- Ramus height increased bilaterally with unchanged ratios; sagittal growth of maxilla and mandible occurred without significant group differences.
- Mandibular asymmetry did not increase in horizontal, vertical, or sagittal planes during growth.
Conclusions:
- Mild-type craniofacial microsomia is likely non-progressive.
- Mandibular asymmetry in CFM patients remains stable throughout the growth period.
Objective:
To describe the mandibular growth of craniofacial microsomia (CFM) patients during early childhood to adolescence with attention to symmetry.
Materials And Methods:
Altogether 61 CFM patients were studied at the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center, Helsinki University Hospital between 1986 and 2006. In this cohort study, we measured and analysed 293 radiographs (posteroanterior, panoramic and lateral); 165 radiographs of 40 patients met the final inclusion criteria. The vertical height of the ramus in anteroposterior and panoramic radiographs, the length of the mandible in anteroposterior radiographs and the maxillary protrusion and mandibular retrognathia in lateral cephalograms were measured in four different age groups.
Results:
A statistical difference existed between the groups in the vertical height of the ramus and in the mandibular length. The vertical height of the ramus measured from the panoramic radiograph grew on both sides, and the ratios remained unchanged. In the sagittal dimension, the maxilla and mandible grew forward, but no significant differences emerged between the groups.
Conclusions:
Results suggest that mild-type CFM is not progressive in nature. During growth, mandibular asymmetry measured in the horizontal, vertical and sagittal planes did not increase.
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