Facial asymmetry of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients

Son, Woo Sung; Kim, Mi Kyung

Abstract

Craniofacial asymmetry was analyzed in 39 patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate(UCLP). The samples are devided into three groups: nine below 9 years, twenty three from 9 years 1 month to 14 years and seven over 14 years group. Seventeen measurements were obtained from the tracing of PA X-ray cephalometric headfilms to evaluate the asymmetric characteristics and changes according to aging in UCLP. The obtained results were as follows: 1. Facial asymmetry in UCLP is variable(l.22-3.47mm/degrees) and the length from midsagittal reference line to maxillary lst molar, to upper central incisor and the length of mandibular ramus showed significant asymmetry. 2. Nasal septum and anterior nasal spine were deviated to the cleft side and the lower border of nasal cavity was lower in cleft side. 3. The deviation of nasal septum was continued significantly till after 14 years old.