Effects of the maxillaryprotraction on the upper pharyngeal widths in the patients of operated UCLP with anteriorcrossbite

：Objective To investigatethe effect of maxillary protraction on the upper pharyngeal widths in the UCLP(unilateralcleft lip and palate) patients. Methods 21 operated UCLP patients with underdevelopedmaxilla treated with maxillary protraction headgear were chosen as the study group,lateral cephalograms before and after treatment were taken for each patients; 21 UCLPpatients with the same age range and also with anterior erossbite were taken as controls,lateral cephalogram were taken at first visit and one year after for each patient.Cephalomerics of 21 measurements was carried out before and after treatment or observationto find the factors which affected the upper airway. Results There was no significantdifference between the treated and control groups in age, treatment duration or observingtime. SNA, A-TFH, OJ, A-Pg, MP-SN increased and SNB. P-TFH decreased after maxillaryprotraction in the treated group. The upper airway widths (PNS-Ad1, PNS-Ad2 and OAW1)increased (1.79±0. 89)mm, (1. 765±0. 94)mm and (1.79±0. 69)mm respectively aftermaxillary protraction. There were no significant changes in middle and lower oral airwayspace. There was no correlation between the changes of upper airway and the maxillarystructure. Conclusions Maxillary protraction increased the pharyngeal width in thenasopharygeal level, and there were no significant changes of pharyngeal widths on otherlevels.