Aim: to compare the symmetry of craniofacial structure in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients following a one-stage simultaneous repair with non-cleft controls.
Materials and methods: based on the cephalometric posterior-anterior x-rays craniofacial symmetry in 27 subjects with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate treated with one-stage simultaneous repair (mean time of repair--9th month of life) was assessed and compared with 60 non-cleft children. The age of the radiological evaluation in both groups approximated 10 years. Medial and lateral aspects of the maxilla, the mandible and the zygomatic arches were measured relative to vertical and horizontal reference planes. Dependent t-tests were performed to assess differences between sides.
Results: all measured structures in the cleft group were symmetrical in relation to both reference planes in the cleft group (p>0.05). Among controls, however, Lateroorbitale, Lateronasale, Zygion, and Condylion landmarks showed statistically significant asymmetry between sides. The largest difference was 0.9 mm for the CdV variable.
Conclusion: The craniofacial structures in the complete unilateral cleft lip and palate 10-year-old subjects following a one-stage simultaneous repair are symmetrical. Final evaluation of the symmetry should be carried out when growth is completed.