Objective: The development of CLP during embryonal growth is concordant with the development of the cervical spine. In this study we surched for connection of cervical anomalies in patients with CLP
Methods: The lateral cephalograms of 246 patients with CLP were examined regarding 24 different anomalies of the cervical spine. These patients were matched to a group of 246 patients without clefts, same age and same gender.
Results: Patients with CLP show significantly more osseous changes in the cervical spine (74,4%, p=0,0001). In the occipitocervical junction variations of the occipital condyles were found (5,7%, p=0,04). In the C2-region we found denshypertrophy (4,5%, p=0,01) often combined with a basilare impression. The subdental synchondrosis C2 closes later in patients with CLP (15,5%, p=0,05). Osseous fusion in the segment C2/3 are not seldom (8,6%, p=0,01)
Conclusions: In patients with CLP osseous changes of the upper cervical spine were found significantly more often than in patients without clefts. These changes may led to an palatinopharyngeal incompetence, which may complicate logopedic therapy. Changes with a possible instability of the spine are seldom, the orthodontist should be aware in the treatment of this patients.