Abstract
The present study targeted patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) undergoing either one - (Wardill technique) or two-stage palatoplasty (Perko technique). Correlations between Goslon Yardstick scores and orthodontic appliances used and whether an osteotomy was performed were investigated. No differences were observed between the two types of palatoplasty in terms of Goslon Yardstick scores. A palatal expander and protraction facemask were used in Phase I of orthodontic treatment. The palatal expander was selected for most patients with UCLP in Phase I, regardless of the surgical technique used. A protraction facemask was used in patients undergoing the Wardill procedure who had a Goslon Yardstick score placing them in Group 3 or 4. In contrast, a protraction facemask was used in patients undergoing the Perko procedure who had a Goslon Yardstick score placing them in Group 4. No significant differences were observed in the Goslon Yardstick scores yielded by either type of procedure. The Goslon Yardstick score in relation to whether an osteotomy was performed in Phase II as part of orthodontic treatment was determined, focusing on the relationship between that score and the palatoplasty method used. A protraction facemask was used in patients undergoing the Perko procedure, which eliminated the need for an osteotomy at a future date. However, a protraction facemask was also used in patients undergoing the Wardill option, and those patients were likely to require an osteotomy. In other words, the results suggest that the type of palatoplasty selected will determine the effectiveness of any orthodontic appliances used.
