Evaluation of the Effect of Surgical Repair on Lip–Nose Morphometric Parameters of Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip using Two-Dimensional Photogrammetry: A Comparative Study between the Cleft and the Non-Cleft Side

BACKGROUND: This prospective, comparative study was carried out to evaluate the effect of cleft lip repair on lip–nose morphometric characteristics of subjects with complete unilateral cleft lip/palate at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of a total of 29 subjects. Lip repair was done using Millard’s rotation advancement technique by a single consultant. Standardised photographs were taken; preoperatively and during different postoperative periods; immediately, 1 week, 3, and 6 months. Indirect measurements of eight linear distances were carried out using Rulerswift software application. For all statistical analyses of mean difference, a P-value of less than 0.05 was accepted as being statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 52% were women, whereas 44% were men. There are considerable disparities between the cleft and non-cleft sides of complete unilateral cleft patients before surgery; statistically significant differences of 1.4 mm, 6.3 mm, and –17.6 mm in vertical lip height, philtral height, and nasal width respectively. Six months after repair, statistically significant differences in lip height between the cleft and the non-cleft side were observed in vertical lip height, nasal width, and philtral height (mean difference of –1.28 ± 0.78, 2.02 ± 2.86, 1.22 ± 1.83 mm; P < 0.001, P = 0.016, P = 0.022, respectively). Horizontal lip height was maintained with no statistically significant difference (mean difference of –0.12 ± 2.19 mm). CONCLUSION: Following cleft repair, using Millard’s rotation advancement technique, differences in lip–nose morphometric parameters were found to be reduced, however, not always eliminated by treatment.