3-dimensional evaluation of maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway volume in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate with cbct

Unilateral cleft lip and palate, which is one of the important craniofacial congenital anomalies, adversely affects the maxilla and pharyngeal airway structure. The purpose of this study is to measure and evaluate the possible differences in maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway volumes between unilateral cleft lip and palate and normal individuals in three dimensions. Within the scope of the study, cone beam computed tomography images in the archive of Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology were used. While 30 individuals aged 12-20 years with unilateral cleft lip and palate were selected for the study group, 30 healthy individuals matched with the study group in terms of age and gender were selected for the control group. Accordingly, the volume measurement of maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway volumes of individuals with UCLP and the control group was performed. ITK-SNAP (Version 3.8.0, June 12, 2019), with a three-dimensional imaging method, was used for volumetric measurements. During the measurement, the anatomical structures of the maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway were distinguished from the surrounding tissues and segmented in three dimensions. The findings obtained as a result of the measurement were subjected to statistically various tests and it was checked whether the data were statistically significant. When the findings of the study were evaluated, it was observed that the maxillary sinus volumes of patients with UCLP were statistically significantly smaller compared to the individuals in the control group (p=0.011). However, it was observed that the maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway volumes were narrowed in individuals with UDDY compared to the control group, but this decrease was not statistically significant (p>0.05). According to the results of the study, maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway dimensions are not dependent on age and gender in UCLP and healthy individuals. According to these results, considering that the maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway sizes may be reduced in individuals with UCLP, alternative diagnosis and treatment methods should be sought that will positively affect these structures.