Sex Differences in Craniofacial Growth from One Month to Ten Years in Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

This study is based on serial lateral X—ray headfilms from one month to ten years for 64 children with unilateral cleft of lip and palate (UCLP), 32 children with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), and 78 Children with cleft palate only (CPO). Measurements for eleven dimensions and three angles were obtained. These included measurements for the cranial base, facial heights, midfacial depths, and the mandible. The 10-year period was divided into infancy, i.e., birth to one year; early childhood, i.e., one to six years; and mid childhood, i.e., six to ten years. All measurements were evaluated on the basis of growth time and growth velocity. The shape of the cranial base as seen in the sellar angle was influenced by clefting whereas the size, i.e., the clival length and the anterior cranial base length were affected by sex. No sex differences were observed for the angle S—N—A. Face heights, midfacial depths, and mandibular body length were all found to be larger for males.