Possible sex-discriminant variables in craniofacial growth in clefting

In this investigation, 174 patients with orofacial clefts were examined for identification of possible sex differences in craniodentofacial measurements. The patients were selected from the longitudinal growth files of the H. K. Cooper Clinic. Records available for analysis were serial lateral cephalometric radiographs from the age of 1 month to 10 years. Patients were grouped by cleft type and sex within each cleft group (78 cleft palate only, 64 unilateral cleft of lip and palate, 32 bilateral cleft of lip and palate). Stepwise discriminant analysis of fourteen linear and angular craniofacial dimensions was used to identify those variables which contributed to sex differences within each cleft group over the growth/time intervals examined. Results suggested the possibility of sex-related differences in growth timing, that is, earlier maturation and growth in females in several craniofacial areas which did not appear to be related to the presence, absence, or type of cleft but which could possibly modify cleft-specific responses to treatment (cranial base dimensions, face heights). Other sex-related differences appeared to be more specifically related to known sex differences in original cleft type and severity (mandibular size and position, midfacial dimensions). The manner in which these various sex factors interface with environmental and therapeutic influences in producing the ultimate craniodentofacial morphology in a given sex and cleft type is discussed.