Comparison of Nasopharyngeal Airway Volume in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients With Normal Individuals Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

This study aimed to compare nasopharyngeal airway volume in cleft lip and palate patients with normal individuals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). In this cross-sectional study, 40 CBCT scans of 9 to 12-years-old patients were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: normal individuals (n=16), unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP, n=14) and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients (BCLP, n=10). Superior and middle pharyngeal airway volumes and nasal width were measured and compared between 3 groups. ANOVA and χ² tests were used for statistical comparison. P<0.05 was considered significant. Superior airway volume was not significantly different between the 3 groups (P=0.36). However, there was a significant difference between the 3 groups regarding middle pharyngeal volume (P=0.49) and nasal width (P=0.021). There was not a significant difference in the upper and middle pharyngeal volume and also nasal width between the 2 sexes. Considering different dimensions of evaluation of the pharyngeal airway volume of cleft lip and palate patients, the evaluation of airway volume is essential during orthodontic or orthognathic surgical treatments that expand or protect the maxilla.