Evaluation of Mandibular Lingula Structure and Location in Pediatric Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Objective To evaluate mandibular lingula structure and location in children and adolescents with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) compared with age- and sex-matched controls using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting University-based dentomaxillofacial radiology archive. Patients/Participants CBCT scans of 120 patients aged 8–18 years (60 CLP, 60 controls; mean age 13.15 ± 3.02 years) were included in the study. Interventions Retrospective evaluation of existing CBCT images. Main Outcome Measures Linear distances from the lingula to key anatomical landmarks, including the anterior (x) and posterior (y) ramus borders, inferior ramus border (w), sigmoid notch (z), mandibular foramen (h 1 ), and occlusal plane at the mesial aspect of the first permanent molar (t), along with the anteroposterior ratio [x/(x + y)] and lingula shape, assessed bilaterally with consideration of the cleft side. Results Significant differences were observed between groups in several linear measurements, including x, y, z, and t, with reduced distances in the CL/P group. However, no significant differences were found for h 1 or the x/(x + y) ratio, indicating preservation of the relative anteroposterior position of the lingula. The assimilated form was the most common lingula shape in both groups, with no significant between-group difference. Although some side-based variations were detected, these were inconsistent and not specific to CL/P. Conclusions Despite differences in certain linear dimensions, the relative position and morphology of the lingula are preserved in children and adolescents with CL/P. This structural consistency may support CBCT-based individualized planning for surgical and anesthetic procedures.