Using three-dimensional average facial meshes to determine nasolabial soft tissue deformity in adult UCLP patients

Ka Wai Frank Wong, Andrew Keeling, Kulraj Achal, Balvinder Khambay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
125 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background and purpose: There is limited literature discussing the residualnasolabial deformity of adult patients prior to undergoing orthognathic surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine the site and severity of the residual nasolabial soft tissue deformity between adult unilateral cleft lip and palatal (UCLP) patients and a non-cleft reference group, prior to orthognathic surgery.

Material and methods: Sixteen adult male UCLP patients, who all received primary lip and palate surgery according to a standardised Hong Kong protocol were recruited for this study. Facial images of each individual were captured using threedimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry and compared to a previous published Hong Kong non-cleft reference group of 48 male adults. Using two-sample t-tests differences in linear and angular measurements and asymmetry scores were evaluated between the two groups. In addition a “conformed” average UCLP facial template was superimposed and compared to conformed average non-cleft reference group facial template.

Reproducibility of the measurements were assessed using Students paired t-tests and coefficients of reliability.

Main findings: Significant differences in linear and angular measurements andasymmetry scores were observed between the two groups (p<0.05). Adult UCLPpatients showed significantly narrower nostril floor widths, longer columella length on the unaffected side, a wider nose, shorter cutaneous lip height, shorter upper lip length and shorter philtrum length. Prior to orthognathic surgery adult UCLP patients showed significantly more facial asymmetry. Superimposition of the average facial meshes clearly showed the site and severity of the deficiency in the x, y and z-directions.

Conclusions: Many of the nasolabial characteristics reported to be present in children following primary UCLP repair continue into adulthood. The detrimental soft tissue effects of orthognathic surgery for UCLP patients maybe different to non-cleft individuals; and as such the site and severity of the residual deformity should be assessed prior to surgery.
Original languageEnglish
JournalSurgeon
Early online date4 Jun 2018
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 4 Jun 2018

Keywords

  • UCLP
  • stereophotogrammetry
  • average faces
  • three-dimensional

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