ABSTRACT
Background: Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is a congenital facial deformity that affects a significant number of infants worldwide. One of the most common and challenging issues faced by UCLP patients is the impaction of their maxillary canines. This study aims to explore the various factors contributing to canine impaction in UCLP patients undergoing alveolar bone grafts (ABG).
Aim: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the factors associated with canine impaction in UCLP patients who have undergone ABG procedures. Specifically, we seek to identify patient-related and surgical factors that may influence the likelihood of canine impaction in this population.
Methods: This retrospective observational study involved the analysis of medical records and radiographic data from a cohort of UCLP patients who had undergone ABG. A total of 100 patients were included in the study. The following parameters were examined: patient demographics, cleft severity, age at ABG, surgical technique, postoperative care, and canine eruption patterns. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were performed to assess the associations between these factors and canine impaction.
Results: Our analysis revealed several noteworthy findings. Patient age at the time of ABG, cleft severity, and surgical technique were identified as significant factors associated with canine impaction in UCLP patients. Patients with greater cleft severity were more prone to canine impaction. Additionally, ABG performed at a younger age correlated with a reduced likelihood of impaction. The surgical technique utilized in ABG also demonstrated a substantial impact on canine eruption patterns, with certain approaches showing improved outcomes. Overall, the results provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to canine impaction in this unique patient population.
Conclusion: Understanding the factors that contribute to canine impaction in UCLP patients undergoing ABG is essential for optimizing treatment strategies and improving clinical outcomes. This study highlights the importance of patient-specific factors, cleft severity, age at surgery, and surgical technique in predicting and preventing canine impaction. These findings can inform clinical decision-making and enhance the quality of care provided to UCLP patients undergoing ABG. Future research should focus on refining treatment protocols to further reduce the incidence of canine impaction in this population.
Keywords: Canine impaction, unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), alveolar bone grafts (ABG), cleft severity, surgical technique, patient age, eruption patterns, cleft-related factors, treatment outcomes, orthodontics.