Assessment arch dimensions in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated surgically by Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty protocol

The present study aimed to analyze the outcomes of Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty techniques and to know the effect of this technique on arch dimensions and also to compare these outcomes with the ordinary technique (pushback technique) and with the control group. There are two treatment groups and one control group. Forty-two (20 males and 22 females) patients as a total number of the sample with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) children were included in this study, 1st group (10 males and 14 females) those treated with Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty performed at the age of 10 weeks repair of the lip, at 10 months closure of soft palate followed by construction of obturator done by an orthodontist, at 6 years of patient`s age a closure of hard palate, 2nd group (10 males and 8 females) treated with pushback technique. Criteria for selecting patients (two treatment groups), those without systemic diseases, cerebral disabilities, or any syndromes. The 3rd group consists of 20 healthy children (10 males and 10 females) those free from systemic diseases, aged 9–10 years old, free from oral habits and with limited or no crowding of teeth. Impressions of the upper arch of the patients were taken and the study model was poured at ages 9–10 years. Measurements include anterior arch width (ARW) or intercanine distance, posterior arch width (PAW) or intermolar distance, and arch depth (Adp). Statistical analysis; after collecting the data SPSS software program (version no. 21 Chicago, Illinois, USA) used for analysis, P ≤ 0.05 will be considered as statistically significant. The data were analyzed for their normal distribution, and a comparison of dental arch dimensions between genders and between the two techniques of surgical repair was tested by independent t-test of samples. Significant larger mean values for arch measurements ARW and Adp for males and Adp for females than with the pushback technique. This is related to the growth pattern that occurred without surgical intervention. An improvement in surgical outcomes, and the patients with UCLP treated with Z-plasty technique, revealed an increase in the mean values of arch measurements (anterior and PAW and Adp) for both genders when compared to the pushback technique, but less than that of healthy non-cleft children.