3D CT Analysis of Craniofacial Asymmetry in Malaysian Cleft Infants
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: A Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Analysis of Craniofacial Asymmetry in Malaysian Infants with Cleft Lip and Palate
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Nikki Tziavaras, Suzanna Mihailidis, Zainul Rajion, Asilah Yusof, Peter John Anderson, Grant Townsend
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Analysis of Craniofacial Asymmetry in Malaysian Infants with Cleft Lip and Palate
Year: 2010
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This study investigates the craniofacial morphology of Malaysian infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) compared to unaffected control infants. By utilizing three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) imaging, the research aims to assess facial asymmetry and specific morphological differences related to various types of CLP. A total of 29 infants with different classifications of CLP—unilateral CLP (UCLP), bilateral CLP (BCLP), cleft lip and primary palate (CLPP), and isolated cleft palate (ICP)—were compared to a control group of 12 non-cleft (NC) infants. The findings contribute to understanding how CLP affects craniofacial structure, including nasal bone orientation and facial breadth, which are essential for evaluating surgical outcomes and potential psychological impacts.
Morphological Differences and Asymmetry in Cleft Patients
One significant finding of the study is the observed differences in nasal bone dimensions and mid-facial breadths between the cleft and control groups. In particular, measurements in the UCLP group indicated larger nasal bone and facial breadth dimensions compared to the NC sample. Notably, the nasal bone showed a tendency to deviate towards the side opposite the cleft. Statistical analysis revealed that variances in certain dimensions were greater in the NC group than in the cleft group, suggesting increased stability in unaffected infants. Moreover, variations in the positions of mid-facial landmarks emphasized the pervasive impact that CLP can have on overall craniofacial morphology, influencing both the affected and distant regions of the face.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the profound effects of cleft lip and palate on craniofacial morphology in infants, highlighting both size and orientation changes in nasal bones along with associated facial asymmetry. As craniofacial features are vital for psychological and social development, understanding these morphological differences serves as an essential foundation for future surgical planning and patient management. The research advocates for the use of advanced imaging technologies like 3D CT to facilitate comprehensive analyses of craniofacial structures, ultimately improving the treatment strategies for individuals with orofacial clefts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the aim of the study on craniofacial morphology?
The study aims to compare craniofacial morphology between Malaysian infants with unoperated cleft lip and palate and age-matched control infants without clefts, examining asymmetry in nasal bones and facial structures.
What methods were used for analyzing craniofacial morphology?
Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) was used to analyze craniofacial morphology. Thirteen osseous landmarks were identified, and a midline reference plane was created to assess asymmetry between the cleft and control groups.
What significant findings were observed in male cleft groups?
In male cleft groups, dimensions related to nasal bones and facial breadths were generally larger compared to the non-cleft sample, although none of these differences in mean values were statistically significant.
What variations were noted in female cleft groups?
Female cleft groups exhibited larger distances and angular measurements compared to the non-cleft group. Notably, the nasal bone in the cleft group showed a significant deviation to the right.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “3D CT Analysis of Craniofacial Asymmetry in Malaysian Cleft Infants”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Male (Mālē):
The term 'Male' refers to the biological sex of individuals in the study, which impacts craniofacial morphology. Understanding differences in craniofacial measurements between male cleft patients and non-cleft controls helps to identify sex-related variations in growth patterns, aiding in tailored treatment approaches and assessments for surgical outcomes.
2) Study (Studying):
The word 'Study' denotes the structured investigation conducted to compare craniofacial morphology in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) versus unaffected infants. It emphasizes the research's purpose, methodology, and significance, contributing to medical knowledge and potentially influencing clinical practices and future research directions in craniofacial anomalies.
3) Measurement:
'Measurement' relates to quantifying craniofacial dimensions and angles using 3D computed tomography, which provides precision. Accurate measurements are critical for assessing morphologic differences, understanding treatment impacts, and evaluating symmetry. This is essential for monitoring developmental outcomes and guiding surgical planning in patients with cleft conditions.
4) Table:
'Table' refers to the organized presentation of data within the study, summarizing statistical findings related to craniofacial measurements. Tables facilitate easy comparison of measurements between different groups, highlighting significant differences or trends, thereby enhancing data interpretation, supporting conclusions drawn, and providing clear communication of research results.
5) Birth:
'Birth' pertains to the origin of the study population, focusing on infants with congenital conditions like CLP. It underlines the relevance of understanding cleft prevalence in specific demographics. Factors related to birth statistics contribute to epidemiological insights, shaping strategies for early intervention and preventative care in affected populations.
6) Performance:
'Performance' relates to the effectiveness of surgical interventions for CLP and how well these procedures restore facial symmetry and functionality. Evaluating surgical performance is vital in the study, determining success rates, influencing treatment protocols, and addressing the psychosocial implications of cleft conditions on patients’ self-esteem and social integration.
7) Perception:
'Perception' involves subjective views regarding attractiveness and intelligence associated with craniofacial appearances, impacted by anomalies like CLP. The study examines how craniofacial morphology influences social judgments and individual self-image, underscoring the importance of addressing aesthetic and functional outcomes in treatment planning and patient rehabilitative care.
8) Relative:
'Relative' denotes the comparison of measurements between cleft and non-cleft groups, emphasizing asymmetries and morphological variations. This comparative aspect helps understand the impact of CLP on craniofacial development, guiding clinical assessments and tailoring interventions based on relative morphological norms within a defined population.
9) Surface:
'Surface' relates to the external morphology of the craniofacial structures analyzed in the study, including the nasal bones and surrounding facial areas. Understanding surface characteristics informs surgical outcomes and aesthetic considerations, as well as the potential for functional restoration post-surgery in patients with cleft anatomy.
10) Repair:
'Repair' signifies the surgical procedures undertaken to correct anatomical deformities caused by CLP. The study explores repair effectiveness in restoring normal craniofacial morphology and enhancing function, which is crucial for improving the quality of life for affected individuals and minimizing long-term psychosocial concerns.
11) Reason:
'Reason' pertains to the justification of CT scans for analyzing craniofacial anomalies in participants. It reflects ethical considerations involved in obtaining medical imaging, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all imaging has a valid medical rationale to avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation for healthy individuals.
12) Line:
'Line' pertains to the midline reference plane created using specific craniofacial landmarks in the study. This line serves as a crucial frame of reference for measuring facial asymmetry, enabling precise anatomical comparisons that facilitate the identification of deviations from normal craniofacial growth patterns in patients with CLP.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘3D CT Analysis of Craniofacial Asymmetry in Malaysian Cleft Infants’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Facial Asymmetry, Infant, Descriptive Statistics, Three-dimensional computed tomography, Paired T test, Unpaired 't' test, Significance level, Mastoid Process, Cleft Palate, Mean value, Non-significant difference, Radiographic analysis, Research ethics committee, Gender comparison, Cleft lip, Control sample, Three-dimensional imaging, Cleft lip and palate, 3D reconstruction, Craniofacial morphology, Radiology, Craniofacial abnormalities, Random error, Measurement error, External auditory meatus.