Three-dimensional analysis of the maxillofacial configuration of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients before and after lip repair *
The maxillofacial morphology of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate who had undergone lip repair by the same surgeon and surgical procedure was assessed. Assessments were performed during the first medical examination and at three months, six months and one year postoperatively using a three-dimensional facial measuring apparatus (VIVID 900). The results of the analysis are summarized below. 1. When the Hotz palatal plate was put in place before primary cleft lip repair, each angle of inclination of the frontal maxilla, especially S Z R and S-L Z R, moved markedly. Therefore, putting of the Hotz palatal plate in place before cleft lip repair appears to be very useful. 2. After surgery, Fl-Fs ・ Z R ・ S Z R ・ S-L Z R and P-Q moved markedly. These findings suggest that the force from putting on of the Hotz palatal plate and the external force caused by the operation were added to those places. 3. The parameters of the frontal maxilla influenced facial configuration substantially. Therefore, it is important to improve DA-DA' ・ Z R - S Z R - L Z R - S-L Z R and P-Q before cleft lip repair. 4. It is suggested that the postoperative length from BI' to Cp'' was one of the major causes for nasal base asymmetry. 5. It is necessary to keep BF higher than the normal side during surgery in order to prevent hanging down ofBI'. (Accepted on March 19, 2003)
