Objective and subjective evaluation of the efficacy of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis: A correlation analysis between computed tomography measurements and FACE-Q scores

Previous studies on the efficacy of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis (TSDO) to treat midface hypoplasia caused by cleft lip and palate (CLP) have mainly focused on objective measurements while ignoring the subjective feelings of patients. This study aimed to analyse the changes in and correlation between computed tomography (CT) measurements and FACE-Q scores in patients who underwent TSDO by performing a comprehensive evaluation from both objective and subjective perspectives. This retrospective study included 25 patients with an average age of 10.7 years who had midface hypoplasia caused by CLP and underwent TSDO between August 2018 and December 2022. The average follow-up time was 18.8 +/- 7.7 months. Facial morphology and CT measurements, including A-CR, N-AJ_HR, the SNA angle and the L-ZA, indicated significant improvements in midface concavity (all p < 0.0001). All FACE-Q scores (except for facial function) exhibited a significant increase. The AA-CR, AN-AJ_HR, and ASNA angle were strongly correlated with specific aspects of the FACE-Q-Appearance items, including the AFACE-Q-Appearance of the cheeks (all p < 0.0001), the AFACE-QAppearance of the face (all p < 0.0001), the AFACE-Q-Appearance of the jaws (all p < 0.01), the ASatisfaction with decision (all p < 0.0001) and the ASatisfaction with outcome (all p < 0.001). However, the AA-CR, ANAJ_HR, and ASNA were weakly correlated with other FACE-Q-Health-related quality of life and function items. These findings suggest that both CT findings and FACE-Q scores have their own emphases and advantages. It is necessary to establish an integrated curative effect evaluation model that combines FACE-Q scores with CT measurements to evaluate both the physical health and psychological status of patients.