The authors retrospectively analyzed the effects of Le Fort I advancement with distraction osteogenesis on skeletal and airway variables in patients with midfacial hypoplasia induced by cleft lip and/or palate using 3-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions.
The authors enrolled 23 subjects with moderate-to-severe midface hypoplasia induced by cleft lip and palate who were treated with Le Fort I distraction osteogenesis (mean age, 19.22±3.48 y; male/female ratio, 20/3); computed tomography images (1 before distraction and another at completion of distraction) were acquired. A 3-dimensional craniometric findings and airway volumes for the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, velopharynx, and upper and lower oropharynx were compared before and after distraction. The relationships between craniofacial morphology and changes in airway volume were also assessed (P<0.05 was considered significant).
Significant increases were observed in airway volumes for the nasal cavity (13.85%), nasopharynx (50.82%), velopharynx (29.57%), and upper oropharynx (36.92%) (P=0.007, P<0.001, P=0.023, and P<0.001, respectively), whereas no significant changes were observed for the lower oropharynx (P=0.117). Maxillary horizontal advancement was positively correlated with the airway volumes of the nasopharynx and upper oropharynx after distraction osteogenesis (rs=+0.451, P=0.031; rs=+0.548, P=0.007); however, no significant correlations were observed for the nasal cavity and velopharynx.
The authors’ finding indicate that despite rotation of the mandible along with the maxilla, this change does not impact airway volume at the mandibular level. Le Fort I distraction osteogenesis can be feasible for patients with cleft lip and palate-induced midface hypoplasia, with satisfactory appearance and occlusion. Long-term detailed follow-up of the patients postdistraction osteogenesis is warranted.
