THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON OF THE PHARYNGEAL AIRWAY VOLUME IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE AND HEALTHY NON-CLEFT INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Background: Pharyngeal airway is a vital part for orofacial functions. Compromised upper airway volume may lead to problems like obstructive sleep apnea. The evaluation of the pharyngeal airway is critical in identifying factors responsible for all physical difficulties related with cleft lip and palate.

Objective: The aim of our study was to compare upper airway volume in cleft and non-cleft patients.

Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the difference, if any, in upper airway volume of cleft and non- cleft patients. Two groups were formed, both having 30 patients in each group. One group had cleft patients and the other group had non-cleft patients. CBCT scans, for the sole purpose of conducting this study were not done. Patients that had undergone surgery, except for cleft lip and palatal repair, were excluded from the study. Patients with Class II malocclusion and obstructive sleep apnea were also excluded. The upper airway was divided in two parts by 3 cross-sectional planes, the superior upper airway and the inferior upper airway. Lastly, the total of both of them was calculated.

Results: A total of 60 CBCT scans were evaluated. There was no statistically significant difference in the total airway volume and the superior upper airway volume in both the groups, however, inferior upper airway volume was significantly higher in cleft group.

Conclusion: There is no difference in total upper airway volume between cleft and non-cleft patients. Further research with larger sample numbers may yield more conclusive results.