Abstract | dc.description.abstract | Introduction: In this study, we compared patterns of morphologic variations of the craniofacial skeleton between
patients affected by clefts who were operated on and unaffected subjects, aiming to discuss possible morphofunctional
consequences of treatment in craniofacial development. Methods: The lateral cephalograms of 76
subjects, comprising patients with operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (OpC) and a group matched for sex
and age without cleft, were used. Thirteen landmarks were used as variables in geometric morphometric tests
quantifying and describing overall shape variation, differences between group means, allometry, and upperlower
face covariation. Results: The OpC group showed broader shape variations including noncleft group characteristics,
but mainly a retrognathic maxilla, a vertically elongated face, a more open mandibular angle, and a
more closed basicranial angle. Group means differed mainly in the maxillomandibular relationships. Allometry
differed between groups, with the smallest OpC patients showing the most altered morphology. Upper and
lower face covariation was stronger in the OpC group, showing mainly vertical changes in the anterior face.
Conclusions: Operated patients affected by clefts achieve a broad range of morphologies; the most altered
were found in those with skeletal Class III and small size. Furthermore, their strongest upper and lower face
shape covariation suggests that a harmonic dental occlusion could be a key factor in achieving “normal”
craniofacial morphology | en_US |