3-DIMENSIONAL EVALUATION OF FACIAL ASYMMETRY IN CLEFT-LIP AND PALATE

The purpose of the present study was to describe facial asymmetry in t hree dimensions in individuals with an operated complete unilateral cl eft lip and palate (UCLP) and in individuals without craniofacial anom alies (controls). Three-dimensional coordinates for 16 bilateral and 1 0 midsagittal facial landmarks were determined for the UCLP group (N=4 9) and the control group (N=80) by means of stereophotogrammetry. The total asymmetry was measured and resolved for transverse, vertical, an d sagittal components. It can be concluded that all three components a re important in studies on facial asymmetry. Individuals with UCLP sho w more facial asymmetry in the vertical direction than controls. They demonstrate more facial asymmetry in the region related to the cleft t han controls. And, males in general demonstrate more asymmetry of the nose than females.