Three Dimensional Evaluation of Infrazygomatic crest in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Pilot Study

Alaçam A., Aydın P., Urhan Güçlü Ş., Erdem M. K., Önder E., Kişnişci R. Ş.

19.Uluslararası Açbid Kongresi, Antalya, Türkiye, 8 - 12 Nisan 2026, ss.1, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Antalya
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1
  • Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of the Infrazygomatic Crest in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Pilot Study Aylin Alaçam1, Pelin Aydın2, Şeydanur Urhan Güçlü2, Murat Kaan Erdem2, Mustafa Ercüment Önder3, Şükrü Reha Kişnişci3

Objective : Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) placed in the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) region provide effective skeletal anchorage in orthodontic treatment, and their success depends largely on adequate bone thickness and regional anatomy. In patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP), maxillary discontinuity and alveolar defects may alter the morphology of the posterior maxilla and the IZC region. However, the anatomical characteristics of the IZC in CLP patients remain insufficiently documented. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to evaluate infrazygomatic crest bone thickness in patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: In this retrospective pilot study, CBCT scans of non-syndromic patients with cleft lip and palate were evaluated. Infrazygomatic crest (IZC) bone thickness was measured bilaterally at standardized vertical levels above the alveolar crest in the maxillary first molar region. In individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate, measurements obtained from the cleft and non-cleft sides were compared, whereas bilateral measurements in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate were descriptively assessed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and intraobserver reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results: Infrazygomatic crest bone thickness demonstrated variability among CLP patients. In the unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) group, bone thickness tended to be lower on the cleft side compared with the non-cleft side. In bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients, bilateral variations in IZC morphology were observed. Reliability analysis indicated high measurement consistency.

Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that IZC bone morphology may differ depending on cleft type and side in CLP patients. Reduced bone thickness in the cleft region may have clinical implications for orthodontic miniscrew placement. Further studies with larger samples and control groups are required to better characterize IZC anatomy and define safe zones for skeletal anchorage in cleft populations.