Three-dimensional cephalometric evaluation of maxillary growth following in utero repair of cleft lip and alveolar-like defects in the mid-gestational sheep model

Objective: To evaluate maxillary growth following in utero repair
of surgically created cleft lip and alveolar (CLA)-like defects by
means of three-dimensional (3D) computer tomographic (CT)
cephalometric analysis in the mid-gestational sheep model. Methods:
In 12 sheep fetuses a unilateral CLA-like defect was created in
utero (untreated control group: 4 fetuses). Four different bone
grafts were used for the alveolar defect closure. After euthanasia,
CT scans of the skulls of the fetuses, 3D re-constructions, and a
3D-CT cephalometric analysis were performed. Results: The
comparisons between the operated and nonoperated skull sides as
well as of the maxillary asymmetry among the experimental groups
revealed no statistically significant differences of the 12
variables used. Conclusions: None of the surgical approaches used
for the in utero correction of CLA-like defects seem to affect
significantly postsurgical maxillary growth; however, when bone
graft healing takes place, a tendency for almost normal maxillary
growth can be observed. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.