Aim: To determine the effects of a one-stage simultaneous repair of lip and palate upon the growth of craniofacial structures inpatients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).
Material and methods: This retrospective study involved 21 children who presented with non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate and underwent a one-stage simultaneous closure performed by the same surgeon. 6 females and 15 males ranged in age from 6 to 12 months at the time of surgery (mean = 9.2 months). During the observation period only limited orthodontic treatment with removable appliances was carried out. Morphology of craniofacial structures was evaluated through cephalometric analysis of lateral headfilms taken at the age of approximately 10 years. Measurements obtained were compared to age-matched controls.
Results: Maxillo-mandibular relationship in the cleft group did not differ relative to the controls--point A-Nasion-point B angle and WITS index showed no statistically significant difference. However, both maxilla and mandible were retrognathic relative to the norm. Sella-Nasion-point A angle was on average 5 degrees less than in controls and the maxilla rotated anteriorly in comparison to the control group. Sella-Nasion-point B angle was decreased by 4 degrees and the mandible rotated posteriorly.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a simultaneous one-stage closure of the unilateral complete cleft lip and palate results in good maxillo-mandibular relationship, with 81% of subjects having adequate overjet. However, both maxilla and mandible were retrognathic.