Influence of modified Furlow double opposing Z-plasty on mandibular growth in Oriental patients with cleft palate and/or lip.

The purpose of this study was to statistically analyze mandibular growth disturbance in the Oriental cleft population and compare this with that of non-cleft children through cephalometric analysis. Thirty-six children with cleft palates, repaired using a modification of Furlow double opposing Z-plasty, were chosen. Comparative analyses among 3 types of cleft were performed. Statistical analyses of 8 linear and angular measurements were performed in cleft patients and the non-cleft population using Fisher Z-transformation. Comparative analysis showed no significant difference among the 3 types of cleft. In the Oriental cleft group treated with modified double opposing Z-plasty, the spatial position of the mandible showed significant differences compared with the non-cleft group. A backward inclination of the anterior surface of the mandible and downward rotation of the mandibular body were identified. Some of our results regarding gonial angle and length of the mandibular body conflicted with previous Western studies.