Cleft Palate Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cleft Palate, including details on causes, surgery, treatment.

Effect of an intraoral retrusion plate on maxillary arch dimensions in complete bilateral cleft lip and palate patients.

Oosterkamp BC, van Oort RP, Dijkstra PU, Stellingsma K, Bierman MW, de Bont LG

Department of Orthodontics, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. b.c.m.oosterkamp@dmo.azg.nl

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze maxillary arch dimensions in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate treated with an intraoral retrusion plate prior to lip closure. PATIENTS: The effects of the intraoral retrusion plate were evaluated on serially obtained maxillary casts of 14 patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. RESULTS: The Student's t test for dependent observations showed a significant decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the cleft lateral segments during active treatment. This decrease correlated with an increase in deviation of the premaxilla in relation to the vomer. For each millimeter decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the cleft lateral segments, an average increase in deviation of 4.0 degrees was found. Left and right cleft widths decreased significantly, premaxillary width increased significantly, and transverse dimensions did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: From this study it can be concluded that active presurgical treatment with an intraoral retrusion plate induces a significant decrease in distance between the premaxilla and the lateral segments. This decrease is frequently accompanied by an increase in deviation of the premaxilla relative to the vomer.

Published 3 May 2005 in Cleft Palate Craniofac J, 42(3): 239-44.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Cleft Palate Research Today. All Rights Reserved.