Abstract
Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital malformations in the craniofacial region, occurring at a rate of 1:700 births in Brazil. These conditions lead to functional impacts on patients, such as changes in breathing, teeth, speech, chewing, swallowing and sucking. Treatment begins with primary surgeries, including lip and palate repair, which aim to reconstruct the soft tissues. Secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) reconstructs the bone defect in the cleft region, with the main goal of supplying bone tissue to the cleft region and restore the continuity of the alveolar process.
Objective:
To measure the changes in cross-sectional areas (CSAs) and nasal volume in patients and their impact on the nasal cavity (NC) in the two-month postoperative period (PO2M).
Methodology:
This study included 15 patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (U/CLP) indicated for alveolar bone grafting (ABG). Cone beam computed tomography scans obtained prior to SABG and at PO2M were compared. Nasal volumes and CSAs were measured by marking the masks delimiting the nasal cavity on CT scans using Mimics™ software.
Results:
NC volumes (total, right and left sides) were statistically lower at PO2M in patients with left-sided UCLP. In right-sided UCLP, these volumes were only significant for the total NC and left NC. The CSAs of the internal nasal valve in both groups showed significantly lower values compared to the preoperative period (p≤0.05).
Conclusion:
In the short term, alveolar bone graft surgery reduces the volume of nasal cavities and the cross-sectional areas of the right and left internal nasal valve as a whole, not only the cleft area where the graft material was placed.
Keywords:
Cleft lip and palate; Internal nasal dimensions; Alveolar bone graft
Introduction
Cleft lip and palate (CL/P) are the most common congenital malformations of the craniofacial region, occurring in Brazil at a rate of 1 in 700 births.11 Trindade IE, Silva OG Filho. Cleft lip and palate: an interdisciplinary approach. São Paulo: Ed. Santos; 2007.,22 Greene JC. Epidemiologic research: 1964- 1967. J Am Dent Assoc. 1968;76:1350-6. doi: 10.14219/jada.archive.1968.0207
https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.19...
The rehabilitation of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach with a specialized and integrated team and involves complex treatments to achieve satisfactory outcomes for both patients and the healthcare team.33 Freitas JA, Neves LT, Almeida AL, Garib DG, Trindade-Suedam IK, Yaedú RYF, et al. Rehabilitative treatment of cleft lip and palate: experience of the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies/USP (HRAC/USP)-Part 1: overall aspects. J Appl Oral Sci. 2012;20(1):9-15. doi:10.1590/s1678-77572012000100003
https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-7757201200...
,44 Amaral VL. Psychological aspects, social and family problems associated with cleft lip and palate. In: Carreirão S, Lessa S, Zanini AS, editors. Treatment of cleft lip and palate. Rio de Janeiro: Revinter; 1996. p. 19-23.
Secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process of patients with CL/P. This procedure stabilizes the maxillary bone structure, the upper dental arch, and periodontium, while also promoting the development of permanent teeth in the cleft region and enabling orthodontic movement. Additionally, it allows for the placement of endosseous implants, when necessary, closes oronasal fistulas, and provides bone support for the nasal alar base. Overall, SABG enhances the patient's aesthetic harmony by improving nasal symmetry.55 Trindade-Suedam IK, Castilho RL, Sampaio-Teixeira AC, Araújo, BM, Fukushiro AP, Campos LD, et al. Rapid maxillary expansion increases internal nasal dimensions of children with bilateral cleft lip and palate. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2016;53(3):272-7. doi: 10.1597/14-244
https://doi.org/10.1597/14-244...
–99 Silva OG Filho, Teles SG, Ozawa TO, Capelozza L Filho. Behavior of the permanent canine in the cleft area in relation to secondary bone grafting. Rev Dental Press Ortodon Ortop Facial. 1999;4(5):9-19. doi: 10.1043/0003-3219(2000)070<0174:SBGAEO>2.0.CO;2
https://doi.org/10.1043/0003-3219(2000)0...
SABG using autologous iliac crest cancellous bone is a standard procedure for patients with CL/P during the mixed dentition phase. It addresses both functional and aesthetic outcomes, correlating with improvements in patient quality of life, satisfaction and high surgical success rates. During surgery, the nasal floor, which is invaginated into the cleft region and often associated with an oronasal fistula, is repositioned upwards and sutured, effectively reconstructing the nasal fossa anatomy. This procedure reshapes the nasal base and wing through by grafting bone tissue into the affected area.1010 Naujokat H, Himmel AL, Behrens E, Gülses A, Wiltfang J, Terheyden H. Treatment satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life in patients with cleft lip and palate after secondary alveolar bone grafting. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022;51(11):1454-61. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2022.03.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2022.03.0...
–1212 Sancak K, Eren H, Altug AT, Tezuner AM. Effect of alveolar bone grafting on health quality in patients with cleft lip and palate. J Craniofac Surg. 2019;30(8):e771-4. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005766
https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.000000000000...
The presence of the cleft itself impairs the development of the nasomaxillary complex, causing a deviated septum, nostril atresia, and hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates on the contralateral side.1313 Trindade IE, Gomes AO, Sampaio-Teixeira AC, Trindade SH. Adult nasal volumes assessed by acoustic rhinometry. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2007;73(1):32-9. doi:10.1016/s1808-8694(15)31119-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1808-8694(15)31...
These alterations reduce the internal dimensions of the nasal cavity (NC) and increase resistance to respiratory airflow, often leading to mouth breathing1313 Trindade IE, Gomes AO, Sampaio-Teixeira AC, Trindade SH. Adult nasal volumes assessed by acoustic rhinometry. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2007;73(1):32-9. doi:10.1016/s1808-8694(15)31119-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1808-8694(15)31...
, which can impact craniofacial development and compromise lower airway function.1414 Guilmette RA, Cheng YS, Griffith WC. Characterizing the variability in adult human nasal airway dimensions. Ann Occup Hyg. 1997;41(1):491-6. doi: 10.1080/02786820300906
https://doi.org/10.1080/02786820300906...
–2020 Bertier CE, Trindade IE. Nasal deformities: evaluation and surgical treatment. In: Trindade IE, Silva OG Filho, eds. Cleft lip and palate: an interdisciplinary approach. São Paulo: Ed. Santos; 2007. p. 87-107.
Considering the frequent complaints of nasal obstruction by patients in the early postoperative period of SABG, it is important to assess the impact of this procedure on internal nasal dimensions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of SABG surgery on nasal volume and the cross-sectional areas of the nasal valve in patients with respiratory complaints two months after the procedure. We hypothesized that SABG surgery reduces nasal cavity dimensions, potentially explaining these respiratory complaints.
Methods
Study group, sample size, design and settings
To determine whether patients’ complaints were directly related to the SABG procedure, which has been shown to alter nasal morphology in patients with complete unilateral cleft (UCL/P) (Lee, et al.2121 Lee W, Park HJ, Choi HG, Shin DH, Uhm KI. Nostril base augmentation effect of alveolar bone graft. Arch Plast Surg. 2013;40(5):542-5. doi: 10.5999/aps.2013.40.5.542
https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2013.40.5.54...
(2013)), we conducted a comparative evaluation of the CBCT scans taken before and after surgery for clinical purposes. This was essential to assess any changes in the upper airway, particularly in the nostril region. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (institution name and protocol number omitted for peer review).
A total of 15 patients were enrolled in the study, and their pre- and postoperative CBCT scans were selected to evaluate possible morphological changes in the airways of patients with complete UCL/P shortly after SABG. A convenience sampling method was used, in accordance with the eligibility criteria.
The study included both male and female patients aged 10 to 16 years with complete unilateral clefts undergoing routine orthodontic treatment, with indication for SABG. All participants were submitted to primary plastic surgeries in early childhood. Patients undergoing re-grafting, as well as those with genetic syndromes, other craniofacial anomalies or inflammatory diseases of the upper airway at the time of CBCT were excluded. All patients attended a 60-day postoperative follow-up and reported nasal complaints after surgery.
SABG technique and CBCT characteristics
The SABG procedure was performed by a single oral and maxillofacial surgeon using the surgical technique described by Boyne and Sands2222 Boyne PJ, Sands NR. Secondary bone grafting of residual alveolar and palatal clefts. J Oral Surg. 1972;30(2):87-92. (1972), which is widely used in our institution.2222 Boyne PJ, Sands NR. Secondary bone grafting of residual alveolar and palatal clefts. J Oral Surg. 1972;30(2):87-92.,2323 Silva OG Filho, Boiani E, Oliveira Cavassan A, Santamaria M Jr. Rapid maxillary expansion after secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with alveolar cleft. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2009;46(3):331-8. doi: 10.1597/07-205.1
https://doi.org/10.1597/07-205.1...
The surgery involves making an oblique buccal incision reaching the central portion of the first molar and meeting an intra-sulcular incision extending up to the lateral cleft margin. The gingival boundary is then contoured, reaching the opposite segment of the maxilla and ending in the intra-sulcular region of the central incisors. From this incision, the buccal mucosa was divided, creating a full-thickness flap. The palatal mucosa was separated and sutured. The nasal floor mucosa was then repositioned superiorly and sutured to close fistulas, creating a space where the bone graft from the iliac crest was carefully placed. Finally, the buccal flap was repositioned over the bone graft. The entire divided bone extension was covered, and the incisions were sutured with simple stitches.2323 Silva OG Filho, Boiani E, Oliveira Cavassan A, Santamaria M Jr. Rapid maxillary expansion after secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with alveolar cleft. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2009;46(3):331-8. doi: 10.1597/07-205.1
https://doi.org/10.1597/07-205.1...
Cone beam computed tomography scans were acquired using the i-CAT Next Generation CT scanner (ISI-iCAT Imaging System - cone beam, Next Generation i-CAT®), with the following specifications: field of view (FOV) of at least 13cm, allowing visualization of the upper airway, an exposure time of 26.9 seconds, 120 Kv, 37.07 mA and resolution of 0.25 voxels. The images were imported in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine).2424 Hainter F Neto, Kurit LM, Compos PS. Computed tomography in dentistry. 1st ed. Ribeirão Preto, SP: Tota; 2013. Cap. 5, p. 141.–2727 Hassegawa CA, Garcia-Usó MA, Yatabe-Ioshida MS, Trindade IE, Fukushiro AP, Carreira DG, et al. Internal nasal dimensions of children with cleft lip and palate and maxillary deficiency: a comparison between acoustic rhinometry and cone beam computed tomography. CoDAS. 2021;33(3):e20200099. doi: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202020099
https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/202020...
Morphometric analysis of the nasal cavity
To evaluate the NC volume, the Mimics™ software (Materialise, Belgium) was used. First, the CBCT scan files were opened, and a mask with a threshold range of −1024 to −500 Hounsfield units, consistent with air density, was created. This tool allows the NC to be filled in, distinguishing it from other structures such as soft and hard tissues. Using the coronal plane, a section was selected to provide the best visualization of thresholds for the creation of the initial mask, with the following anatomical boundaries: the anterior limit of the nasal valve, the posterior limit of the choanae, the lower and upper limits of the nasal floor, and the turbinates and middle meatus, related to the respiratory portion.
After creation of the first mask, areas not of interest, such as the paranasal sinuses, ethmoidal cells, and regions of artifact, were excluded from the tomographic images using the Multiple Slice Edit. Additional structures that were not initially selected were added, considering different tomographic planes, until the NC was filled by the mask according to the predefined limits. Once the necessary edits were made, the mask was converted into a 3D object. The final step involved polishing and removing any spicules, after which the 3D reconstruction of the NC was complete, allowing volume measurements to be obtained.
To find the CSAs of the internal nasal valve (cleft and non-cleft sides), a coronal section was used. The first section anterior to the inferior nasal turbinate was defined as the most posterior reference point. A polygon was then outlined over the internal nasal valve region, and the area was calculated. The creation of 3D models enabled the measurement of total nasal volumes, right NC volumes, left NC volumes, and the CSAs of internal nasal valves.
All reconstructions were performed by two trained and calibrated examiners, who obtained different nasal measurements. To assess intra- and interexaminer reproducibility, examiner 1 performed reconstructions on all 15 preoperative and 15 postoperative scans twice, while examiner 2 conducted reconstructions on 50% of the postoperative scans, also twice. Both examiners repeated their initial measurement after a 30-day interval (T1 and T2). The mean values from both examiners across the two measurements were used for statistical analysis. Intra- and interexaminer reproducibility for volumes and CSAs showed an intraexaminer ICC > 0.80 for both examiners, while the interexaminer ICC was 0.80, confirming the high reproducibility of measurements for both CSAs and volumes.
Analysis of results
The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the data. For comparison of quantitative variables, data with normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation and compared by the paired Student's t-test. A pvalue ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The power to detect mean differences between pre- and postoperative total NC volumes and cross-sectional areas of internal nasal valves (R and L), at a 95% confidence interval was 44.67%.
Results
Sample characterization
The study sample included 15 individuals aged 10 to 16 years (13.00±1.96) with indication for SABG surgery and complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Of the 15 participants, six had right-sided clefts and nine had left-sided clefts. The sample included 11 males (63.63%) and 4 females (36.36%).
Volumes and cross-sectional areas
Table 1 summarizes the decrease in the nasal cavity volume and cross-sectional areas as a whole in the postoperative period for the 15 patients with unilateral clefts, both on the right and left sides.
Pre- and postoperative nasal cavity (NC) volumes (mm3), and internal nasal valve (NV) cross-sectional areas (CSA) (mm2) of individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate (N=15).
The mean total cavity volume decreased from 15,194 mm³ preoperatively to 13,409 mm³ postoperatively (p≤0.0001). The volume of the right cavity decreased from 9,219 mm³ preoperatively to 8,354 mm³ postoperatively (p≤0.0115), while the left cavity volume decreased from 7,974 mm to 6674 mm³ (p≤0.0024). Thus, when the 15 patients were analyzed without separation by cleft laterality, there was a statistically significant decrease in total nasal volume, as well as in the volumes of both the right and left cavities.
The CSA of the right NV decreased from 106.20 mm2 to 90.78 mm2 after surgery, while the CSA of the left NV decreased from 102.50 mm2 to 84.61 mm2. There was a statistically significant reduction in the cross-sectional areas of the right and left nasal valves (p≤0.05).
The pre- and postoperative NC volumes (mm³) and CSAs of individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCL/P) were evaluated according to cleft laterality corresponding to the side where the grafted material was placed (Table 2). The analysis revealed that patients with left-sided UCL/P showed a significant decrease in total nasal cavity volume, from 14,583 mm3 to 12,712 mm3 after surgery (p≤0.001). On the side contralateral to the cleft, the volume decreased from 9,202 mm3 to 7,867 mm3 after surgery (p≤0.0001). On the left side, corresponding to the cleft side, the volume was reduced from 7,429 mm3 to 6,375 mm3 after the procedure (p≤0.0275). Additionally, the nasal valve CSAs on the cleft side decreased from 95.21 mm2 to 74.25 mm2 (p≤0.0020), and on the non-cleft side from 118.70mm2 to 101.20mm2 (p≤0.0020). All showed statistically significant differences.
Pre and postoperative nasal cavity (NC) volumes (mm3), and internal nasal valve (NV) cross-sectional areas (CSA) (mm2) of individuals with right (n=6) and left (n=9) side unilateral cleft lip and palate (N=15).
For patients with right-sided UCL/P, a reduction in total nasal cavity volume was also observed, with a preoperative volume of 16,110 cm3, which decreased to 14,456 cm3 postoperatively (p≤0.0123). The left contralateral cavity volume decreased from 8,792 mm3 to 7,121 mm3 after the procedure (p≤0.0135). However, on the right cleft side that received the graft, no statistically significant difference in volume was noted, with only a numerical decrease from 9,244 mm³ to 9,085 mm³ postoperatively (p≤0.4041). In terms of the cross-sectional areas of the internal nasal valve, the CSA on the cleft side decreased from 87.59 mm2 to 75.18 mm2 postoperatively (p≤0.0312). The CSA also decreased on the non-cleft side, from 113.40 mm2 to 99.03 mm2 (p≤0.0156).
Three-dimensional CAD models of the nasal cavities of all study participants are shown in Figure 1 preoperatively and Figure 2 postoperatively. Qualitatively, the postoperative nasal cavities were smaller, especially in the internal nasal valve.
3D reconstructions of the total nasal cavity preoperatively in patients with UCLP. reconstructed by Mimics® Software, Materialise, used to obtain measurements of total nasal volume, left and right cavity volume and the cross-sectional areas of the internal nasal valve on both sides.
3D reconstructions of the total nasal cavity postoperatively in patients with UCLP, reconstructed by Mimics® Software, Materialise, used to obtain measurements of total nasal volume, left and right cavity volume and the cross-sectional areas of the internal nasal valve on both sides.
Discussion
Patients in this study reported nasal obstruction after undergoing SABG surgery. Chang, et al.2828 Chang CS, Wallace CG, Hsiao YC, Lu TC, Chen SH, Chan FC, et al. Patient and parent reported outcome measures in cleft lip and palate patients before and after secondary alveolar bone grafting. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(52):e9541. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000009541
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000009...
(2017) found that children who underwent SABG surgery were more likely to report nasal obstruction than those who did not. Similarly, Lee, et al.2121 Lee W, Park HJ, Choi HG, Shin DH, Uhm KI. Nostril base augmentation effect of alveolar bone graft. Arch Plast Surg. 2013;40(5):542-5. doi: 10.5999/aps.2013.40.5.542
https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2013.40.5.54...
(2013) identified morphological changes at the base of the nostrils in children who underwent SABG. Our study aimed to examine the effects of SABG on NC volumes and CSAs in patients with UCL/P, seeking to elucidate the breathing difficulties reported by these patients. While a direct cause and effect cannot be confirmed, the morphological changes in the nasal cavity after SABG may be related to nasal obstruction, as other conditions linked to respiratory symptoms were ruled out.
Despite being able to reject the null hypothesis, the study results should be interpreted with caution due to certain limitations. The small, heterogeneous sample size and power values below 80% may limit generalizations (Crutzen and Peters, 2017; Serdar, et al.2929 Serdar CC, Cihan M, Yücel D, Serdar MA. Sample size, power and effect size revisited: simplified and practical approaches in pre-clinical, clinical and laboratory studies. Biochem Med (Zagreb). 2021;31(1):010502. doi: 10.11613/BM.2021.010502
https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2021.010502...
(2021)). However, as the sampling was based on patients with a common post-SABG complaint, altering these parameters might raise ethical concerns. Since this is a before-and-after study, comparisons within the same patient reduce possible biases. The absence of a validated respiratory symptoms questionnaire also represents a limitation.
Our study demonstrated a reduction in total NC volume in patients with UCL/P. For those with left-sided UCL/P, reductions were observed on both the cleft side and the contralateral side. In patients with right-sided CL/P, the volume decreased on the contralateral side, with no statistically significant reduction on the cleft side, likely due to a smaller sample size. Conversely, the reduction in the contralateral NC volume in rightsided CL/P suggests that SABG affects not only the cleft side. Reductions in the CSA of the internal nasal valve were seen in both right and left UCL/P patients, with the region closest to the graft site being the most affected. This suggests that SABG reduces the internal nasal dimensions, due to elevation of the floor into the nasal cavity, which was previously invaginated into the cleft area.
Additionally, CL/P can affect maxillary sinus development in the cleft side. Kiaee, et al.3030 Kiaee B, Hafezi L, Karani M, Amiri F, Jamilian A. Maxillary sinus volume in cleft lip and palate patients with and without an oronasal fistula using CBCT. Stomatology Edu Journal. 2021;8(3):179-85. doi: 10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(3).art.1.
https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021....
(2021) found that children with operated unilateral complete cleft, both with and without palatal fistula, had smaller maxillary sinuses on the fistula side. This reduction may increase the risk of sinus disease. Their study closely aligns with ours in terms of age group, cleft type, and choice of software to measure the volume of the tomographic images. Our findings point to a reduction in the total nasal cavity volume and the CSAs of the nasal valve regions, which could further reduce the maxillary sinus volume on the grafted side and constitute a risk factor for sinus diseases. Additionally, another study from Kiaee, et al.3131 Kiaee B, Nucci L, Sarkarat F, Talaeipour AR, Eslami S, Amiri F, et al. Three-dimensional assessment of airway volumes in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Prog Orthod. 2021;22(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s40510-021-00382-4
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510-021-00382...
(2021) showed that the maxillary sinus volume was smaller on the cleft side, suggesting that surgeries in the nasal cavities and the maxillary sinus floor could impact both respiratory and sinusal physiology.
Sijmons, et al.3232 Sijmons WJ, Krijt LL, Bruggink R, Ongkosuwito EM, Kuijpers MA. Impact of unilateral alveolar bone grafting on nasal volume and nasolabial surface: a 3D analysis. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2023:10556656231221658. doi: 10.1177/10556656231221658
https://doi.org/10.1177/1055665623122165...
(2023), in the Netherlands, also investigated the impact of alveolar bone grafting through tomographic analysis. While their findings differ from ours (showing no reduction in internal nasal dimensions a year after surgery), their study used a different software, only assessed total nasal cavity volume, and had a different postoperative timespan than ours. This supports our hypothesis that changes may be less significant in the long term.
The SABG is generally performed during mixed dentition, before the eruption of the permanent canine adjacent to the cleft. Thus, the procedure is performed on growing patients, which may induce changes in nasal volume Analyzing each nasal cavity individually must account for the "nasal cycle", a physiological process in which congestion and decongestion affect both sides.3333 Roithmann R, Cole P. Objective assessment of nasal patency: why, when, how? Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol. 1995;61:104-9.,3434 Jones AS, Viani L, Phillips D, Charters P. The objective assessment of nasal patency. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 1991;16(2):206-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2273.1991.tb01978.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2273.1991...
This means that the decrease in volume and cross-sectional areas of the nasal valve on the non-cleft side may not be related to anatomical causes, but rather result from the nasal cycle itself. However, differences between the cleft and non-cleft sides were consistently observed in most cases analyzed, as reported by Kunkel, Wahlman and Wagner3535 Kunkel M, Wahlmann U, Wagner W. Acoustic airway profiles in unilateral cleft palate patients. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 1999;36(5):434-40. doi: 10.1597/1545-1569_1999_036_0434_aapiuc_2.3.co_2
https://doi.org/10.1597/1545-1569_1999_0...
,3535 Kunkel M, Wahlmann U, Wagner W. Acoustic airway profiles in unilateral cleft palate patients. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 1999;36(5):434-40. doi: 10.1597/1545-1569_1999_036_0434_aapiuc_2.3.co_2
https://doi.org/10.1597/1545-1569_1999_0...
(1997, 1999), who found a 35% smaller nasal volume on the cleft side.
Cone beam computed tomography is the gold standard for assessing upper airway morphology and internal geometry in various patient groups.3636 Kunkel M, Wahlmann U, Wagner W. Nasal airway in cleft palate patients: acoustic rhinometry data. J Cranio-Max Fac Surg. 1997;25(5):270-4. doi: 10.1016/s1010-5182(97)80065-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1010-5182(97)80...
–3939 Farzal Z, Walsh J, Barbosa GL, Zdanski CJ, Davis SD, Superfine R, et al. Volumetric nasal cavity analysis in children with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate. Laryngoscope. 2016;126(6):1475-80. doi: 10.1002/lary.25543
https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.25543...
As such, we used the Mimics Research® software, which has good accuracy for reconstructing the nasal cavity and was already used in the research laboratory at (institution name omitted for peer review).4040 Garcia-Usó M, Lima TF, Trindade IE, Pimenta LA, Trindade-Suedam IK. Three-dimensional tomographic assessment of the upper airway using 2 different imaging software programs: a comparison study. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2021;159(2):217-23. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.04.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.04....
–4444 Trindade-Suedam IK, Lima TF, Campos LD, Yaedú RY, Nary H Filho, Trindade IE. Tomographic pharyngeal dimensions in individuals with unilateral cleft lip/palate and class III malocclusion are reduced when compared with controls. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2017;54(5):502-8. doi: 10.1597/15-124
https://doi.org/10.1597/15-124...
This software offers the possibility of creating a mask only in the region of interest, and the Multiple Slice Edit tool allows easy and accurate exclusion of structures not suitable for the group, such as ethmoid cells and paranasal sinuses. If necessary, structures can also be added to certain sections that were not considered when creating the mask.
Comparing our results with previous studies is challenging due to limited research in this field. However, Kiaee, et al.3030 Kiaee B, Hafezi L, Karani M, Amiri F, Jamilian A. Maxillary sinus volume in cleft lip and palate patients with and without an oronasal fistula using CBCT. Stomatology Edu Journal. 2021;8(3):179-85. doi: 10.25241/stomaeduj.2021.8(3).art.1.
https://doi.org/10.25241/stomaeduj.2021....
,3131 Kiaee B, Nucci L, Sarkarat F, Talaeipour AR, Eslami S, Amiri F, et al. Three-dimensional assessment of airway volumes in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Prog Orthod. 2021;22(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s40510-021-00382-4
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510-021-00382...
(2021) highlighted smaller sinus dimensions on the cleft and palatal fistula sides, suggesting that ABG may reduce sinus volumes on the grafted side, thus increasing the risk of future sinus diseases. As such, patients and clinicians should be aware that sinusal symptoms may occur after surgery.
From a clinical point of view, aside from the possible higher risk of sinusitis, it should be noted that patients may experience transient symptoms of nasal obstruction shortly after surgery. Sijmons, et al.3232 Sijmons WJ, Krijt LL, Bruggink R, Ongkosuwito EM, Kuijpers MA. Impact of unilateral alveolar bone grafting on nasal volume and nasolabial surface: a 3D analysis. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2023:10556656231221658. doi: 10.1177/10556656231221658
https://doi.org/10.1177/1055665623122165...
(2023) report that these symptoms tend to diminish over time.
Our study consistently showed a significant reduction in total nasal volume and CSAs within the first two months after surgery. Unilaterally, there was a decrease in patients with left CLP on both sides of the nasal cavity, and in patients with right CLP there was a statistically significant decrease on the side contralateral to the cleft. This supports our hypothesis that the internal nasal valve region is the area most affected by SABG in the short term. Further research, including our ongoing study on ABG's effects on sinus morphology, will help clarify its long-term impacts on nasal dimensions and symptoms.
Conclusion
The analysis of internal nasal dimensions in patients with UCLP confirmed the hypothesis that SABG reduces nasal cavity dimensions, which would explain the respiratory complaints of patients. Alveolar bone grafting induces short-term morphophysiological changes, decreasing both the volume of the nasal cavities and the cross-sectional areas of the internal nasal valves on both sides, rather than only on the cleft area where the graft material was placed. These reductions in the internal dimensions of the nasal valve region may be linked to nasal obstruction symptoms shortly after surgery.
Data availability
All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article
References
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1Trindade IE, Silva OG Filho. Cleft lip and palate: an interdisciplinary approach. São Paulo: Ed. Santos; 2007.
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2Greene JC. Epidemiologic research: 1964- 1967. J Am Dent Assoc. 1968;76:1350-6. doi: 10.14219/jada.archive.1968.0207
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Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
22 Nov 2024 -
Date of issue
2024
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21 May 2024 -
Reviewed
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Accepted
11 Sept 2024