Midface asymmetry in non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip-palate: A retrospective cbct analysis

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) and infraorbital foramen region (IFR) with facial symmetry in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, CBCT images of 30 non-syndromic UCLP patients were included, along with 30 age- and sex-matched control individuals. ZMC symmetry was evaluated in the axial section by comparing the right and left sides. Similarly, symmetry in the IFR was assessed in the coronal section. The significance level was set at p<0.05 for statistical analysis. Results The study group comprised 12 female and 18 male patients, with ages ranging from 10 to 18 years (mean age 14.1 years). Both ZMC and IFR measurements were significantly lower on the cleft sides of the study group compared to both the non-cleft sides of UCLP patients and the control group (p<0.001, p=0.022, and p=0.036, respectively). Furthermore, IFR measurements were significantly lower in the control group compared to the non-cleft sides of the study group (p=0.04). Conclusion This study demonstrated that individuals with UCLP exhibit asymmetry in both the ZMC and the IFR. These findings suggest a negative impact on facial aesthetics.