Cone Beam Computed Tomography Analysis of Oropharyngeal Airway in Preadolescent Nonsyndromic Bilateral and Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the volume, area, and dimensions of the oropharyngeal airway (OPA) in a previously repaired nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) versus bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients when compared with noncleft controls using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Design: This was a retrospective case-control study. Setting: The Cleft Care Center and outpatient clinic that are affiliated to our faculty were the settings for the study. Participants: A total of 58 CBCT scans were selected of preadolescent individuals: 14 BCLP, 20 UCLP, and 24 age- and gender-matched noncleft controls. Variables: Variables were volume, cross-sectional area (CSA), midsagittal area (MSA), and dimensions of OPA. Statistical analysis: One-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests were used to compare variables. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05. Results: UCLP showed significantly smaller superior oropharyngeal airway volume than both controls and BCLP ( P ≤ .05). BCLP showed significantly larger CSA at soft palate plane and significantly larger MSA than both UCLP and controls ( P < .05). Conclusions: UCLP patients at the studied age and stage of previously repaired clefts have significantly less superior oropharyngeal airway volume than both controls and BCLP patients. This confirms that preadolescents with UCLP are at greater risk for superior oropharyngeal airway obstruction when compared with those BCLP and controls. Furthermore, BCLP patients showed significantly larger CSA at soft palate plane and MSA than both controls and UCLP patients. These variations in OPA characteristics of cleft patients can influence function in terms of respiration and vocalization.