A Longitudinal Cephalometric Study on Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Subjects

Abstract

The facial growth of nine male and 9 female subjects with surgically repaired unilateral cleft lips and palates was compared to that of 20 male and 15 female non—cleft individuals. Different cephalometn'c landmarks were identified on the cranial base and maxillary complex, and eleven different parameters were measured. Univariate longitudinal growth profile and mean vector analyses as well as multivariate and cross-sectional comparisons were performed between male, female, and combined normal and cleft groups. Linear data comparisons indicated statistically significant differences in the growth profile and mean vector analyses of several of the parameters describing the relationship (SNA and SNAns) and dimensions (Ans-Ptm and A-Ptm) 0f the maxillary complex. Incremental data comparisons on the same parameters (SNA, SNAns, Ans—Ptm and A-Ptm) indicated statistically significant differences in the mean vector longitudinal analysis and the univariate cross-sectional analysis. Most of these significant differences were concentrated in the older age comparisons (7 to 8, 8 to 9, and 9 to 10 years). Where significant differences existed, the normal sample increments were usually greater than the cleft sample increments. Much has been written describing the ef— fects of cleft lip and/or palate and the subse— quent reparative surgery on the growth of the craniofacial complex. The vast majority of the studies conducted in this area have been cross-sectional. There is a relative scarcity of longitudinal studies in which the same subjects were mea— sured at each time interval throughout a given period. This is not surprising since longitudi— nal studies are by their nature lengthy, costly, and dependent upon the continuous cooper— ation of the subjects. Israelsohn (1960) summarizes the value of longitudinal growth studies in the following statement.