Pharyngeal Airway Analysis for Area and Volume in Patients Affected by Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate - A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION

The most prevalent craniofacial birth abnormality is cleft lip and palate (CLP), which affects around 1 in 700 live births globally. This study evaluates the age-related changes in airway dimensions in children and adults with cleft lip and palate and compares the findings to normal subjects matched for age and sex.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional observational study, 300 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were examined and coded matching the subjects in the experiment for age and gender. OnDemand three-dimensional (3D) software was used to generate 3D models for the airways of the subjects and for calculating their airway volumes.

RESULTS

In CLP patients, the airway volumes, along with the corresponding values for cross-sectional area were considerably lower than those in the control group. In CLP patients, unilateral cleft had a statistically significant ( = 0.001) decreased area than bilateral cleft. Irrespective of cleft or control, the volume and area were found to be statistically significant ( = 0.001) and more in adult than child subjects. Gender-wise volume was found to be significantly more ( = 0.001) in adult bilateral cleft males when compared to other groups. Gender-wise comparison of area in bilateral cleft patients was found to be more in adult subjects as compared to child and adult controls and unilateral clefts.

DISCUSSION

Surgeons would need to take the information obtained from the results of this study when considering a therapeutic surgical procedure in the management of CLP or obstructive sleep apnoea.