Influences of palatoplasty by the push-back procedure on craniofacial morphology and growth

PurposeFor patients with a cleft palate, the push-back procedure which accompanies posterior shifting of palatal flap is thought to be most effective way of. achieving adequate velopharyngeal function. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influences of the push-back procedure on the craniofacial morphology and its growth.Material and methodsUsing cephalometry we compared the craniofacial morphology and growth of three groups of Japanese children, living in the same region (Hokkaido, Japan).1) 28 children (13 girls and 15 boys) with operated submucous cleft palates at the ages of 9 and 14 respectively.2) 12 age-matched children (7 girls and 5 boys) with unoperated submucous cleft palates.3) 60 age-matched non-cleft children (30 girls and 30 boys) with normal occlusion.None of them received dentofacial orthopaedic treatment.ResultsWhile the patients who had been operated on had significant differences in posterior upper facial height and inclination of the palatal plane when compared with non-cleft children or unoperated cleft children, they showed no statistically significant difference in anteroposterior positioning of anterior part of the maxilla, compared with the unoperated.ConclusionsThe influences of palatoplasty by the push-back procedure with posterior positioning of the palatal flaps on craniofacial morphology are additional to the cleft palate, and of minor concern.