Abstract
Morphometric analysis using quantitative shape data plays an important role in the treatment of cleft lip and palate or assessment of the results. The data have hitherto been obtained by measuring the length and angles between anatomical points. However, such data contain less information than the actual shape information, and so the original images cannot be reconstructed from this data. Geometric morphometrics （GM） is a multivariate statistical analysis method based on the coordinates of anatomical landmarks or functions expressing outlines of the shapes, which evaluates the tendency of shape variations within a group or among several groups. This method has a tremendous advantage in preserving the morphological information through all procedures involved in the study, description of precise shape differences, and visualization of the results as informative graphics or animations. GM is a relatively new method that was developed in the 1980s and has now become prevalent mainly in biology and anthropology. This can be attributed to the development of computer technology and software that are easy to use. However, only a few morphometric studies using GM have been reported in the field of medicine as well as in studies on lip and palate. This article introduces the concept and application of GM and some software that are useful for GM analysis and then reviews previous research related to the use of GM in studying cleft lip and palate.
