Facial growth in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate: a cephalometric study

In this study, sagittal facial growth of bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients between 6 and 20 years of age is analyzed. The data of Nijmegen were derived from 131 lateral cephalograms taken in 21 BCLP patients who were treated in the Cleft Lip and Palate Center of the University Hospital of Nijmegen. Reported data of 90 BCLP patients treated at the Center of Oslo were used as a reference for comparison. Results of this investigation showed mandibular growth to be similar in both centers. In the premaxillary region some differences were found: The Nijmegen patients presented a more protrusive premaxilla than those at Oslo. The upper front teeth and hence, the premaxilla, were more retroclined in the Nijmegen sample. There were also statistically significant differences in the soft tissue profile. The mean z-score was positive for the nasolabial angle and negative for the angle N'-Sn-Pg'. At 18 years of age, these differences are still apparent. In comparison with Broadbent's values of normal individuals, the SNPg-angle was smaller and the mandibular angle greater in Nijmegen and Oslo. The profiles of the BCLP patients are more convex in Nijmegen and more concave in Oslo than in the noncleft group. Finally, the different treatment strategies of the Cleft Lip and Palate Centers of Nijmegen and Oslo are compared and discussed in terms of their long-term results.