Evaluation of Posterior Superior Alveolar Canal in Individuals With Cleft Lip and Palate Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objective To evaluate the posterior superior alveolar canal (PSAC) in individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) by comparing them with individuals with no cleft lip and palate (NC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Setting This is a cross-sectional, analytical study with a prospective sample. Patients, Participants CBCT scans of 29 individuals with no cleft and palate (Group I) and 29 individuals with cleft lip and palate (Group II) were used. Interventions PSAC was evaluated and compared for its position, diameter, and distance between the individuals with CLP and NC using CBCT scans. Results The mean age of individuals in Group I and II were 12.93 and 11.82 years, respectively. The distribution of individuals based on gender comprised of 51.7% males and 48.3% females in both the study groups. PSAC was present in both right and left maxillary sinus in 100% of the study subjects of Group I and Group II. The most prevalent position of PSAC in Group I and Group II was on the lower third and middle third of lateral wall of maxillary sinus, respectively. The mean diameter was higher in Group II (1.2962 mm) when compared to Group I (1.0897 mm) which showed statistically significant value ( P = .008). Conclusion The promising results obtained from the present study demonstrates the importance of knowing the precise anatomical location of the PSAC in individuals with cleft lip and palate by using CBCT which is reliable, less time consuming and cost effective imaging tool.