Yu-Fang Liao

Incidence and Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Following Pharyngeal Flap Surgery in Patients With Cleft Palate

OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) associated with pharyngeal flap surgery in patients with cleft palate at least 6 months postoperatively and to determine whether age or the flap width had an effect on them. The hypothesis tested in this study was that the severity of OSA associated with pharyngeal flap surgery is greater in children than in adults. SUBJECTS Ten adults, six men and four women, with a mean age of 28.0 years at pharyngeal flap (adult group). Twenty-eight children, 13 boys and 15 girls, with a mean age of 6.3 years at pharyngeal flap (child group). DESIGN A prospective analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES An overnight polysomnographic study was used to determine the incidence and severity of OSA 6 months after pharyngeal flap. RESULTS The incidence of OSA following pharyngeal flap was high but not significantly different between these two groups (90% in adults and 93% in children, p = 1.000). When OSA was stratified into different levels of severity according to the values of respiratory disturbance index, there were noticeable differences between these two groups (p =.022). In the adult group, eight patients (89%) had mild OSA and 1 patient (11%) had moderate to severe OSA. In the child group, 11 patients (42%) were found to have mild OSA, and 15 patients (58%) had moderate to severe OSA. No relation was found between the flap width and the incidence (p =.435 in adults and.640 in children) or the severity (p =.325 in adults and.310 in children) of OSA in each group. CONCLUSIONS Six months following pharyngeal flap surgery, more than 90% of the patients with cleft palate still had OSA. The severity of OSA associated with pharyngeal flap surgery tended to be greater in children than in adults. The flap width was unrelated to the incidence and severity of OSA, no matter in adults or in children.

Presurgical Orthodontics versus No Presurgical Orthodontics: Treatment Outcome of Surgical-orthodontic Correction for Skeletal Class Iii Open Bite

Background: It has long been claimed that presurgical orthodontics is crucial to the outcome of surgical-orthodontic treatment for dentofacial deformity. However, in the literature, the effect of presurgical orthodontics on the treatment outcome remains controversial. The purpose of the study was therefore to investigate the effect of presurgical orthodontics on the treatment outcome in terms of facial aesthetics, occlusion, stability, and efficiency. Methods: Thirty-three adult patients with skeletal class III open bite corrected by Le Fort I posterior impaction and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy were included. The patients were divided into two groups: 13 received presurgical orthodontics, and 20 did not. Cephalometric radiographs and study models were used to evaluate the treatment outcome. Results: There were no between-group differences in facial aesthetics, overbite, or Peer Assessment Rating score. Overjet was larger in the no–presurgical orthodontics group than in the presurgical orthodontics group, but both were within normal limits. Both groups had similar maxillary and horizontal mandibular stability. Although the vertical mandibular stability was worse in the no–presurgical orthodontics group than in the presurgical orthodontics group, the direction of instability was favorable for open bite correction. Finally, longer treatment time was required in the presurgical orthodontics group compared with the no–presurgical orthodontics group (512 ± 103 days versus 342 ± 127 days; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results suggest that in surgical-orthodontic correction of skeletal class III open bite, presurgical orthodontics has no clinically significant effects on facial aesthetics, occlusion, or stability. However, presurgical orthodontics has a significant adverse effect on efficiency. Patients receiving presurgical orthodontics undergo longer treatment time than those receiving no presurgical orthodontics.

Two-stage palate repair with delayed hard palate closure is related to favorable maxillary growth in unilateral cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND Two-stage palate repair with delayed hard palate closure is generally advocated because it allows the best possible postoperative maxillary growth. Nevertheless, in the literature, it has been questioned whether maxillary growth is better following use of this protocol. The authors therefore aimed to investigate whether stage of palate repair, one-stage versus two-stage, had a significant effect on facial growth in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. METHODS Seventy-two patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate operated on by two different protocols for palate repair, one-stage versus two-stage with delayed hard palate closure, and their 223 cephalometric radiographs were available in the retrospective longitudinal study. Clinical notes were reviewed to record treatment histories. Cephalometry was used to determine facial morphology and growth rate. Generalized estimating equations analysis was performed to assess the relationship between (1) facial morphology at age 20 and (2) facial growth rate, and the stage of palate repair. RESULTS Stage of palate repair had a significant effect on the length and protrusion of the maxilla and the anteroposterior jaw relation at age 20, but not on their growth rates. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, two-stage palate repair has a smaller adverse effect than one-stage palate repair on the growth of the maxilla. This stage effect is on the anteroposterior development of the maxilla and is attributable to the development being undisturbed before closure of the hard palate (i.e., hard palate repair timing specific).

Changes in the calibre of the upper airway and the surrounding structures after maxillomandibular advancement for obstructive sleep apnoea

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is effective in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. We aimed to assess changes in the calibre of the upper airway, facial skeleton, and surrounding structural position after MMA and their association with improvement in symptoms. Sixteen consecutive adults with moderate-to-severe apnoea were treated by primary MMA. Polysomnography and computed tomography (CT) of the head and neck were done before and at least 6 months after MMA. The calibre of the upper airway, the facial skeleton, and the surrounding structures were measured with image analysis software. After MMA, patients had a significant reduction in their apnoea-hypopnoea index (31.2 (18.8)number of events (n)/hour (h)). The mean (SD) volume of the airway increased significantly in the velopharynx (p<0.01), oropharynx (p=0.001), and hypopharynx (p<0.001) (by 2.3 (2.4), 2.1 (2.6), and 1.7 (1.1)cm(3), respectively) and the length of the airway was significantly decreased (by 3.1 (3.5)mm p<0.01). The soft palate (p<0.001), tongue (p<0.001), and hyoid (p=0.001) moved significantly anteriorly (by 4.4 (2.0), 7.5 (2.8), and 5.7 (5.0)mm, respectively), and these movements were related to the MMA (r=0.6-0.8). The improvement in the apnoea-hypopnoea index was associated with both maxillary advancement and anterior movements of the soft palate and hyoid (r=0.6-0.7). The results of this study suggest that MMA increases the volume in the upper airway and reduces its length. Improvement in obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with the extent of the anterior movements of the maxilla, soft palate, and hyoid.

Longitudinal Follow-Up of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Following Furlow Palatoplasty in Children With Cleft Palate: A Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVE To longitudinally investigate the incidence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) following Furlow palatoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in children with cleft palate. SUBJECTS Ten children, six boys and four girls, mean age 5.1 years, at Furlow palatoplasty. DESIGN Prospective analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Overnight polysomnographic studies were used to determine the incidence and severity of sleep apneas 1 day prior to Furlow palatoplasty, 1 week postoperatively, and approximately 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS None of the patients suffered OSA prior to Furlow palatoplasty. A high incidence of mild OSA (100%) occurred during the early postoperative period (p <.001) but resolved within 3 months in all but two patients (20%). Only one OSA (10%) persisted 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Furlow palatoplasty for VPI in children with cleft palate might induce temporary and mild OSA.

Initial cleft severity and maxillary growth in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

INTRODUCTION Initial cleft severity in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) varies. This is reflected in the sizes of the cleft and the palate. The purpose of this retrospective study was to establish whether there is a relationship between cleft severity at birth and growth of the maxilla. METHODS Maxillary dental casts of 29 infants with nonsyndromic complete UCLP were used to measure the sizes of the cleft and the palate. The later growth of the maxilla was determined by using cephalometric radiographs taken at age 9. Statistical analyses were performed with multiple linear regression. RESULTS The results showed a relationship between cleft area and maxillary protrusion (SNA, P <0.05). Also, there was a relationship between palate area and maxillary width (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that in patients with complete UCLP there is a significant relationship between initial cleft severity and maxillary growth. Patients with a small cleft area have a more protruded maxilla than do those with a large cleft area. Patients with a large palate area have a wider maxilla than those with a small palate area.

Comparative outcomes of two nasoalveolar molding techniques for unilateral cleft nose deformity.

Background: Bilateral cleft nose deformity is increasingly being treated before primary repair with nasoalveolar molding. With the Grayson technique, nasal molding is started when the alveolar gap is reduced to 5 mm, whereas with the Figueroa technique, nasal molding and alveolar molding are performed at the same time. Both techniques significantly lengthen the columella, but their comparative efficacy, efficiency, and incidence of complications have not been investigated. Methods: In this blinded, retrospective study of 58 patients with complete bilateral cleft lip–cleft palate, 27 underwent Grayson nasoalveolar molding and 31 underwent Figueroa nasoalveolar molding. Outcomes were compared by analyzing pretreatment and posttreatment facial photographs and clinical charts for efficacy (i.e., columella length ratio, alar width ratio, alar base width ratio, nostril shape, nasal tip angle, nasolabial angle, and nasal base angle), efficiency (i.e., molding frequency), and incidence of complications (e.g., facial irritation and oral mucosal ulceration). Results: Grayson and Figueroa nasoalveolar molding did not differ in treatment efficacy for columellar length ratio, alar width ratio, alar base width ratio, nostril shape, nasal tip angle, nasolabial angle, or nasal base angle (all p > 0.05). Grayson nasoalveolar molding was less efficient (i.e., required more adjustments) (10.8 ± 4.1 versus 7.6 ± 1.5; p = 0.001) and had a higher incidence of oral mucosal ulceration (26 percent versus 3 percent; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both Grayson and Figueroa nasoalveolar molding similarly improve nasal deformities and reduce alveolar gaps; however, the Figueroa technique is associated with fewer oral mucosal complications and more efficiency. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Long-term comparison of the results of four techniques used for bilateral cleft nose repair: a single surgeon's experience.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate progressive changes in surgical techniques and results, aiming for improved nasal shape in primary bilateral cleft rhinoplasty. Methods: This is an institutional review board–approved retrospective study. Ninety-one consecutive patients with bilateral complete cleft lip underwent primary cheiloplasty with four different techniques of nasal reconstruction from 1992 to 2007 as follows: group I, primary rhinoplasty alone; group II, nasoalveolar molding alone; group III, nasoalveolar molding plus primary rhinoplasty; group IV, nasoalveolar molding plus primary rhinoplasty with overcorrection; and group V, patients without cleft lip. The surgical results were analyzed using photographic records obtained at age 3 years. Four measurements and one angle measurement were obtained. A panel assessment was obtained to grade the appearance of the surgical results. Results: The results are expressed in order from groups I through V. The nostril height-to-width ratio was 0.49, 0.59, 0.62, 0.78, and 0.82, respectively. The nasal tip height–to–nasal width ratio was 0.29, 0.39, 0.49, 0.57, and 0.60. The columella height–to–nasal width ratio was 0.11, 0.18, 0.22, 0.27, and 0.28. The dome-to-columella ratio was 1.88, 1.25, 1.26, 1.14, and 1.10. The nostril area ratio was 1.2, 1.17, 1.13, 1.11, and 1.07. The nasolabial angle was 144.95, 143.98, 121.98, 120.99, and 100.88. Finally, group IV had the best panel assessment. Conclusions: The results revealed that group IV had the best overall result. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding followed by primary rhinoplasty with overcorrection resulted in a nasal appearance that was closer to the patients without cleft lip. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Facial morphology in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and moderate to severe temporomandibular joint involvement

INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to (1) assess lateral facial morphology in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and moderate to severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement, (2) compare the lateral facial morphology of these subjects with and without TMJ involvement using cephalograms and 3-dimensional (3D) facial photographs, and (3) compare and correlate the results of the 3D photographic and cephalometric analyses. METHODS Sixty patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were included and grouped as follows: group 1, juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients without TMJ involvement; group 2, juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients with moderate to severe unilateral TMJ involvement; and group 3, juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients with moderate to severe bilateral TMJ involvement. Lateral cephalograms were used to assess and compare lateral facial morphologies between the groups. Lateral projections of oriented 3D photographs were superimposed on the lateral cephalograms. The results of the lateral 3D photographic analysis were correlated with those of lateral cephalometric analysis. RESULTS Group 3 showed the most severe growth disturbances, including more retrognathic mandible and retruded chin, steep occlusal and mandibular planes, and more hyperdivergent type (P <0.01). Group 2 showed similar growth disturbances, but to a lesser extent than did group 3. Photographic variables were significantly correlated with the soft tissue and skeletal variables of cephalograms (0.5 < r < 0.9; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Subjects with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and unilateral or bilateral moderate to severe TMJ involvement had significant growth disturbances. Early intervention is recommended for these patients to prevent unfavorable facial development. Furthermore, with proper orientation, 3D photographs can be used as an alternative to conventional lateral cephalograms and 2-dimensional photographs.

Outcome of gingivoperiosteoplasty for the treatment of alveolar clefts in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

Gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP) has produced inconsistent outcomes. The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the effects of GPP on the production of bone and maxillary growth. We analysed postoperative cone-beam computed tomographic (CT) scans and intraoral dental photographs of 25 children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who were treated with GPP at the same time as their primary repair of the lip. Residual cleft defects and unsupported root ratios of central incisors adjacent to clefts were measured from scans. Dental arch relations were assessed from photographs using the Goslon (Great Ormond Street London and Oslo) yardstick. Eighteen children did not require secondary alveolar bone grafts. Residual cleft defects varied by site (20.4mm(3), 38.6mm(3), 88.2mm(3), and 135.2mm(3) for buccal coronal, palatal coronal, buccal apical, and palatal apical defects, respectively; p<0.001). Unsupported root ratios did not differ significantly between coronal and apical central incisors adjacent to clefts. The mean (SD) Goslon score was 4.52 (0.51). Most participants (n=18) who had a GPP did not need secondary alveolar bone grafting. GPP resulted in least bone on the palatal apical portion of the previous alveolar cleft and relatively good periodontal bony support of central incisors adjacent to the cleft. We no longer use GPP because of our concerns about maxillary growth.