A comparative study on the measurements of palatal shelf area and gradient for adult patients with unoperated cleft palate.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the maxillary growth potential of cleft palate patients compared with the normal population.


METHODS
By using a three-dimensional computed tomography scanning and imaging system, the gradient and surface area of the palatal shelves were measured and analyzed statistically among 30 adults with normal occlusion, 30 adult patients with operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, and 30 adults with unoperated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.


RESULTS
In comparison with the control group, for the unoperated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate subjects, the gradient of the palatal shelves at both the cleft and noncleft sides was larger, meaning that the palatal shelves were rotated cranially and were more vertically positioned. The palatal surface area was significantly smaller in the unoperated and operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate groups than in the noncleft control group; although, there was no significant difference between the unoperated and operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate groups.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an intrinsic tissue deficiency in the palate/maxilla of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patients.
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Bin
B
Ye
Changhu
C
Ruan
Jing
J
Hu
Yunqiang
Y
Yang
Jimy
J
Thomas
Guozhi
G
Zhang
D000328:Adult; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development*; D008445:Maxillofacial Development; D003765:Models, Dental; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed