The evaluation of posterior superior alveolar Canal in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the location and supero-inferior diameter of the posterior superior alveolar canal (PSAC) in adolescent patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

METHODS

CBCT scans of sixty adolescent patients (30 male, 30 female) having unilateral CLP were included in the study. The visibility of PSAC, its location relative to the maxillary sinus (upper, middle and lower parts of the sinus and alveolar crest level), and the supero-inferior diameter of the PSAC were evaluated. Additionally, the entry point of the PSAC into the maxillary sinus was assessed relative to the teeth.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 15.5 ± 1.6 years. PSAC is located significantly more in the middle (61.7%) and superior (38.3%) third of the maxillary sinus in cleft side (CS) (p < 0.001). The mean PSAC supero-inferior diameter in the CS (1.08 ± 0.2 mm) was significantly higher than in the non-cleft side (NC) (0.96 ± 0.2 mm) (p < 0.001). When the position of the PSAC relative to the teeth was evaluated, it was seen that it entered the maxillary sinus more from the first premolar tooth level in CS and from the first molar tooth level in NC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PSAC location in CS was most commonly found in the middle and superior thirds of the maxillary sinus compared to NC. The mean supero-inferior diameter of PSAC was larger in CS compared to NC. The entry point of PSAC into the maxillary sinus was more anteriorly positioned in CS compared to NC.