Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions in Non-Syndromic Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients Compared With Class I Subjects

Objective: To analyze and compare the pharyngeal airway dimensions of Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate (BCCLP), Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate (UCCLP) and Class I patients in different age groups. Design: Cross-sectional study of cephalometric data. Materials and Methods: The lateral cephalometric films of 76 patients were divided into two main groups according to chronological age; Group 1 was consisted of patients between the ages 8 and 13 years, Group 2 was consisted of patients older than 13 years. Group 1 and 2 were divided into three subgroups as UCCLP, BCCLP and control groups. Airway dimensions were evaluated with area measurements using planimeter. SNA, SNB, ANB and GoGnSN angles were measured in all cephalograms by the same examiner. The values were compared within subgroups in Group 1 and 2 seperately. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in SNA, SNB, GoGnSN measurements between subgroups in each group. ANB differed significantly between three subgroups in Group 1 (p<0.001) and Group 2 (p<0.01). In Group 1, the volumetric area of nasopharynx (p<0.05), in Group 2 nasopharynx (p<0.001) and oropharynx (p<0.01) differed significantly between UCCLP, BCCLP and Control groups. Conclusion: Both UCCLP and BCCLP had decreased airway when compared with Class I subjects. However BCCLP patients were affected most adversely in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway areas.