Three-Dimensional Measurement of the Zygomatic-Maxillary Complex in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients With Maxillary Retrusion.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical features of the zygomatic-maxillary complex in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients with maxillary retrusion. Individuals were grouped and craniofacial measurements were carried out for 34 individuals in the UCLP with maxillary retrusion group (UMRG) and 50 from a control group (CG). The authors measured the length, width, and height of the maxilla and zygoma and also measured predetermined regions on the midface in each group. Independent sample group t tests were performed to determine differences between groups (with significance set at P < 0.05). Multiple points on the midface (the most posterior point on the contour of the maxillary alveolar process, lowest point of the zygomaticomaxillary suture, furthest point to the zygomatic self-base plane, superior point in the infraorbital foramen, and lowest point of the inferior margin of the orbit) to the coronal plane were smaller in the UMRG than in the CG (all results P < 0.05). In addition, the maxillary length was significantly reduced in the UMRG than in the CG (P < 0.05). In summary, for the UCLP patients with maxillary retrusion, the deficiency in the midface gradually reduced going upward, with the deficiency in the maxillary alveolar level the most serious. The zygoma was influenced to a lesser extent.