Cephalometric nasal and soft tissue profile in cleft palate only: a comparative study
Alicja Zawiślak1,2, Agnieszka Jankowska3, Tomasz Jankowski3
1Department of Interdisciplinary Dentistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland. alicja.zawislak@wp.pl.
Folia Morphologica
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Young adults with cleft palate only (CPO) have reduced nasal projection and length. This study quantifies these differences, revealing altered nasal bone morphology and decreased facial convexity, crucial for treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial morphology
- Orthodontics
- Plastic surgery
Background:
- Cleft palate only (CPO) is a common craniofacial anomaly.
- Skeletal discrepancies in CPO are known, but nasal and soft tissue profiles are understudied.
- Nasal morphology impacts maxillary position, diagnosis, treatment, and aesthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess differences in nasal and soft tissue cephalometric morphology in young adults with CPO compared to controls.
- To investigate the relationship between nasal morphology and maxillary deficiency in CPO patients.
- To highlight the importance of nasal profile assessment in CPO management.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 118 participants (59 CPO, 59 controls), aged 16-25 years.
- Lateral cephalometric radiographs analyzed for angular and linear nasal and soft tissue variables.
- Statistical comparison using Welch's t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test.
Main Results:
- CPO group showed smaller nose-lip angle, shorter nose length, and reduced nasal depth and bone length.
- Nasal bone angle and nasomaxillary angle were larger in the CPO group.
- Reduced soft tissue facial convexity indicated a flatter midface in CPO patients.
Conclusions:
- Young adults with CPO exhibit reduced nasal projection, length, and altered nasal bone morphology.
- Maxillary deficiency contributes to decreased facial convexity in CPO.
- Individualized treatment requires thorough nasal profile assessment in CPO.
