Cortical Bone Thickness and Morphology at the Infrazygomatic Crest Area in Growing Thai Patients with UCLP: A CBCT Study

Abstract

Objectives

To determine and compare buccal cortical bone thickness and morphology (in terms of shape and height) at the infrazygomatic (IZ) crest in growing Thai patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with the ultimate goal of identifying potential sites that are suitable for the placement of miniplates.

Design

Prospective study.

Settling

Institutional research.

Patients

Twenty-four Thai patients with non-syndromic complete UCLP with Class III skeletal discrepancy aged 10-14 years.

Interventions

A total of 48 CBCT images captured the IZ crest. Five horizontal and six vertical reference planes were established in the IZ crest area.

Main Outcome Measure

The mean buccal cortical bone thickness of the cleft and non-cleft sides were 1.13 ± 0.45 mm and 1.15 ± 0.46 mm, respectively. The most frequently observed shape for the IZ crest was the external concave contour. There were no statistically significant differences in cortical bone thickness and shape distribution between the cleft and non-cleft sides. (P > .05).

Results

The thickness of the buccal cortical bone increased anteriorly and superiorly from V + 0 and H + 0. The average height of IZ crest on the cleft side was 16.20 ± 1.59 mm and 16.78 ± 1.84 mm on the non-cleft side. Notably, significant differences were detected in terms of height between the cleft and non-cleft side and cortical bone thickness by gender (P < .05).

Conclusions

The IZ crest was found to provide sufficient support for the insertion of a miniplate, particularly in the superior and anterior regions, ensuring primary stability in growing Thai patients with UCLP.