Skull Base Comparisons in Individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate, and Class I-III Skeletal Malocclusions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/sbtfry25Keywords:
Cleft Lip; Cleft palate; Malocclusion; Skull Base; Dental anomaly; (MeSH).Abstract
The morphology of the skull base and its variations cause multiple alterations not only in the pharyngeal space but also in respiratory function, masticatory force, and occlusal relationships. The objective was to compare the morphology of the cranial base in individuals with no syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP) with that of control subjects with Class I and III skeletal malocclusion. Retrospective cross-sectional study based on digital lateral skull radiographs. Subjects were classified as having unilateral CLP (UCLP) or bilateral CLP (BCLP). Comparisons were made with Class I and III skeletal malocclusion. Triangular areas were estimated algebraically. Intra and interrater correlations were high (Spearman’s rho >0.98). Nonparametric statistical tests were used in addition to ANCOVA and MANCOVA models. A total of 238 individuals were included: 80 with Class I malocclusion, 80 with Class III malocclusion, and 78 with CLP (31 BCLP and 47 UCLP). Of the total, 41.59% (n=99) were women. Comparisons of the measured lengths and angles revealed significant differences between groups. As age increased, the length of the anterior (NS) and posterior (SBa) cranial bases increased, with differences between age ranges. Likewise, a shorter cranial base length and a larger cranial base angle (NSBa) were observed in the CLP group compared with the others. The results of this study identified significant differences in cranial base measurements between individuals with CLP and those with Class I and III malocclusions.
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