Abstract
This study investigated the effect of a standard surgical technique for the repair of unilateral cleft lip and palate by one surgeon. Limitations were set by the numbers available for investigation, however comparison was made between a small group of such treated cases and a group of normal children.
The method of assessment was based on a cephalometric analysis with extrapolation to the integumental profile. A number of different points were proposed for attributes of the soft tissue profile.
The base reference line used was Sella-Nasion, points A and B and the extrapolations to the overlying soft tissue. Facial convexity was proposed as an angle subtended at the tip of the nose by the chin point and soft tissue nasion. Facial height was measured as a ratio between upper and lower facial dimensions. Lip tissue thickness was a direct measurement.
The result of this study supported some findings in other studies. The point of most interest was the small amount of difference between the experimental group and the group used for comparison. Both maxillary and mandibular retrusion was noted and there appeared slight flattening of the soft tissue profile. However, no differences were noted in lip thickness and facial height.
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