MAJOR RESIDUAL DEFORMITIES IN CLEFT PATIENTS - A NEW ANTHROPOMETRIC APPROACH

Objective: A new method based on anthropometric ratios and inclination s was evaluated to confirm or reject whether residual deformities in c left patients' faces differ significantly from faces without previous clefts. Design: Setting and Patients: From a retrospective, aselective review of our clinical files, seven measurements were made on 156 pho tographs of the faces of 52 patients aged 19 to 25 years. Three ratios and two inclination angles were recorded for each patient. Results: T he primary hypothesis could be confirmed: the anthropometric ratios an d angles used to express major residual deformities in cleft lip and n ose patients differ significantly from normal values. Conclusion: This new method allows for objective measurement and evaluation of both th e stigmata and the outcome of their treatment.