Evaluation of the maxillary sinus volume in cleft lip and palate patients

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the maxillary sinus volüme (MSV) differences between unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients and healthy individuals by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Method: The material of the present study consist of CBCT images of 52 UCLP (23 females, 29 males) patients with a mean age of 12.63±3.83 years who reffered to University of Dicle Faculty of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics for orthodontic treatment and 34 healthy individuals (18 females, 16 males) with a mean age of 12,98±2.50 years. MSV measurements and cephalometric analyzes of individuals were performed with Dolphin 3D software (version 11.9, Dolphin Imaging, Chatsworth, California). Kolmogorov -Smirnov test was used in statistical analysis for the conformity of continuous variables to the assumption of normality distribution and Shapiro-Wilk test was used for homogeneity. Independent samples t-test and paired samples t-test were used to compare the differences between MSV of patients. Results: In the UCLP group MSV of the cleft side and non cleft side were 10608.06±3732.67mm³ and 11064.62±3901.91 mm³ respectively. The mean MSV was 10068.61±3379.23 mm³ in females and 11355.56±3733.77 mm³ in males. In women, right MSV 10068.61±3379.23 mm³, left MSV 10647.39±3530.64 mm³; right MSV was 11266.76±3760.27 mm³ and left MSV was 11164.66±4424.84 mm³ in men. Significant differences were found between the right and left MSVs of the women in the UCLP group (p<0.05), however no significant difference was between the other parameters (p>0.05). In the control group, mean right MSV was 11470.50±3803.53 mm³ and left MSV was 11512.29±4016.78 mm³. The mean MSV was calculated as 11572.67±3969.67 mm³ in females and 11512.29±4016.78 mm³ in males. In women, right MSH 11572.67±3969.67 mm³, left MSV 11458.72±4041.47 mm³; right MSV was calculated as 11355.56±3733.77 mm³, and left MSV as 11572.56±4120.35 mm³ in men. No statistically significant difference was found in any comparison in the control group (p>0.05). Mean MSV was 10836.34±3724.97 mm³ in the UCLP group and 11491.40±3871.89 mm³ in the control group. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that there was no significant difference between the MSVs of UCLP and healthy individuals. Females with UCLP were found to have a significantly larger left MSV.