Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Skeletal Deformities and Pharyngeal Airway in Chinese Han Individuals With Nonsyndromic Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective: This study examined the relationships between skeletal deformities and the pharyngeal airway of patients with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Departments in the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, China. Patients, Participants: The sample comprised 30 nonsyndromic UCLP patients and 30 healthy controls. Each group has 23 males and 7 females. Interventions: All cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained with the participant in the standard supine position and asked to bite with intercuspal position without swallowing or moving their heads and tongues during scanning. Main Outcome Measure(s): SNA, SNB, ANB, anterior cranial base, Wits appraisal, maxillary length (PTM-ANS || FH), maxillary position (S-PTM || FH), mandibular length (Go-Pog || MP), FMA, posterior face height, anterior face height, Posterior-Anterior face height, lower face height, pharyngeal airway volumes, and areas were evaluated by Dolphin imaging software. Results: The UCLP group showed significantly decreased SNA, SNB, ANB, PTM-ANS || FH, S-PTM || FH, P-A Face Height compared with the controls. However, the airway volumes and areas showed no significant difference between 2 groups. The total airway volume and minimum cross-sectional area in UCLP patients were related to the Go-Pog || MP and FMA. Conclusions: Patients with UCLP have both the maxillary and mandibular deficiencies in the sagittal dimension. Both the sagittal and vertical relationships of the jaw might affect the airway volume and area. However, no significant difference was detected in airway volume and area in UCLP patients when compared with the controls.