An observational pilot study on anthropometric analysis of lip–nose complex of unilateral cleft lip children and age-matched controls by three-dimensional digital photogrammetry

Abstract

Introduction: Lip–nose complex anthropometry is an important component of cleft lip and palate repair. There are limited studies in the Indian population which measure the anthropometry of facial structures. Various anthropometric and cephalometric techniques have been evolved and applied to measure facial features of cleft lip/palate patients. Objective: The main objective of this study was to measure the anthropometry of lip–nose complex of unilateral cleft lip children and compare it with noncleft children as age-matched controls by VECTRA three-dimensional (3D) digital photogrammetry. Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted on 25 children with unilateral cleft lip (complete/incomplete) of 3 months–2 years of age as cases and 25 noncleft children as age-matched controls, admitted to our institute. Philtral height, lip length, lip height, nostril height, nostril width, nasal sill width, and columella height were measured using VECTRA 3D digital photogrammetry. Results: The mean age of cleft and noncleft patients was 7.80 ± 3.76 months and 10.60 ± 4.38 months, respectively. Philtral height, lip height, lip length, and columella height of the cleft side were found to be significantly lower than that of noncleft patients (P < 0.001). The rest of the parameters, nostril height, nostril width, and nasal sill width of cleft patients were found to be significantly higher than that of noncleft patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study provided an anthropometrical analysis of the lip–nose complex which can be a fundamental basis for presurgical consultation, surgical planning, postoperative assessment, and a predictor for treatment outcome.