Temporomandibular joint morphology in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

Objective: This study aims to examine the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structures of individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) compared with healthy individuals. Materials and method: TMJ structures of the affected and unaffected sides in 25 patients with UCLP and those of both sides in 28 healthy individuals were compared using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the mean values of the differences in condyle length, coronoid length, and superior joint spacing between UCLP patients and healthy individuals (p = 0.045; p = 0.028; p = 0.036). The only significant difference between the cleft and noncleft sides in UCLP patients was the longer condyle length on the cleft side (p = 0.007). Regarding the remaining parameters, there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.050). Conclusion: Patients with UCLP might have a set of morphological differences in their TMJ structures compared to healthy individuals, including condyle and coronoid length and superior joint space measurements.