A Proposed Nasal Deformity Classification System for Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate.

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Plastic Surgery
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) often present with complex nasal deformities.
• Standardized classification systems are needed to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for CLP patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a novel, anatomically based classification system for nasal deformities in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP).
• To enhance diagnostic consistency and treatment outcomes for CLP patients.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen craniofacial specialists (9 plastic surgeons, 6 orthodontists) evaluated 10 presurgical photographs of CLP patients.
• A REDCap survey was used to assess the proposed nasal cleft classification system.
• Interrater reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Main Results:

• The classification system demonstrated "excellent" interrater reliability.
• ICCs were 0.816 for unilateral and 0.743 for bilateral nasal clefts.
• High consistency was observed among specialists using the system.

Conclusions:

• The proposed classification system effectively categorizes nasal deformity severity in CLP patients.
• It promotes consistent diagnoses, treatment plans, and outcome assessments.
• This reliable tool aids in developing standardized treatment protocols for infants with CLP.