Comparison of Transverse Mandibular Anatomy in Class III Patients With and Without Cleft Lip and Palate.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze and compare mandibular anatomy in Class III patients with and without cleft lip and palate (CLP) to assess anatomical differences and their potential impact on fracture risks during orthognathic surgery. Material and Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were used to analyze 300 hemimandibles from two groups: a control group of non-CLP individuals (n=150) and a CLP group (n=150). Mandibular cross-sectional types were assessed, focusing on height, angulation, and fossa depth in the molar region. Measurements were made at standardized locations to ensure consistency. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests to compare the two groups. Results: The CLP group demonstrated greater mandibular height (mean 25.6 mm) compared to the control group (mean 25.3 mm), although no significant difference was observed between the groups (p > 0.05). Mandibular angulation was also higher in the CLP group (mean 69.99°) than in the control group (mean 66.35°), with a significant difference (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in fossa depth between the two groups, with the CLP group measuring 0.64 mm and the control group 0.51 mm (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that CLP may influence mandibular anatomy, particularly in terms of height and angulation, which could affect surgical approaches in procedures like bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. These anatomical variations should be taken into account to reduce fracture risks and improve surgical outcomes for CLP patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.