Non-progressive mandibular changes in children with Type I and II craniofacial microsomia

Objective: To describe the mandibular growth of craniofacial microsomia (CFM) patients during early childhood to adolescence with attention to symmetry. Materials and Methods: Altogether 61 CFM patients were studied at the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center, Helsinki University Hospital between 1986 and 2006. In this cohort study, we measured and analysed 293 radiographs (posteroanterior, panoramic and lateral); 165 radiographs of 40 patients met the final inclusion criteria. The vertical height of the ramus in anteroposterior and panoramic radiographs, the length of the mandible in anteroposterior radiographs and the maxillary protrusion and mandibular retrognathia in lateral cephalograms were measured in four different age groups. Results: A statistical difference existed between the groups in the vertical height of the ramus and in the mandibular length. The vertical height of the ramus measured from the panoramic radiograph grew on both sides, and the ratios remained unchanged. In the sagittal dimension, the maxilla and mandible grew forward, but no significant differences emerged between the groups. Conclusions: Results suggest that mild-type CFM is not progressive in nature. During growth, mandibular asymmetry measured in the horizontal, vertical and sagittal planes did not increase.