4D Assessment of static and dynamic asymmetry following cleft surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
4D Assessment of the dynamic asymmetry of facial expressions in surgically managed Unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate patients.
IRAS ID
202913
Contact name
Ashraf Ayoub
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 17 days
Research summary
Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a craniofacial anomaly that is reducible through cleft lip repairs, nasal reconstruction and revision procedures. In spite of these surgical interventions, a certain level of asymmetry still persists.The assessment of facial expressions requires the expressions to be recorded in a dynamic state.Very few studies have been conducted on cleft related facial asymmetry in younger children. This is possibly due to the fact that children are not as co-operative as adults. This problem has been overcome by the development of markers free facial imaging.3D imaging for analysis of facial surfaces in CLP patients has been carried out. However, this was confined to a limited number of landmarks, not taking advantage of all points on the facial surface.
The objectives of this study is to first, characterise facial asymmetry following surgical repair of CLP at rest and with various facial expressions. Second, to understand the relation between static and dynamic facial asymmetry. Third, to evaluate if lip scarring is associated with dysmorphology and impaired facial expressions and to understand differences in unilateral cleft lip (UCL) and UCLP with regard to asymmetry.
4D facial images of cleft group patients have already been captured. On measuring asymmetry scores in these patients, the asymmetry scores will be compared to a non-cleft "control" group, consisting of 75 children aged 8-10 years of age, with no previous surgery and no facial deformities. The control participants will be asked to come to the Glasgow Dental School and Hospital, where each participant will be asked to perform 4 practised facial expressions- maximal smile, cheek puff, lip purse and grimace. Each expression will take 3 seconds to capture. Each participant will be required to sign a consent and assent form, which will take approximately 5 minutes followed by 15 minutes of imaging per participant.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0246
Date of REC Opinion
15 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion