Epidemiology and Multidisciplinary Approach in Orofacial Clefts: Clinical Features and Rehabilitation Patterns

Abstract

Introduction

Orofacial clefts are congenital malformations that affect craniofacial development and represent a significant public health concern. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency, distribution, and characteristics of these clefts in patients treated at a specialized center, also evaluating the rehabilitation patterns employed.

Materials and Methods

The research involved 59 patients diagnosed with different types of orofacial clefts, including both simple and complex cases, with or without surgical history. We analyzed variables such as gender, age group, and procedures performed. The statistical analysis was conducted using multivariate methods, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA), with the SAS (SAS Institute Inc.) software, version 9.2.

Results

Cleft right (CRT) or left transforamen (CLT) were the most prevalent, particularly among male patients. Most cases involved infants and young children, reflecting the practice of early intervention. Approximately 59.3% of the patients had already undergone surgeries such as cheiloplasty and palatoplasty, often in combination. More complex cases, such as those of cleft bilateral transforaminal (CBT), required multiple surgeries and extended follow-up.

Conclusion

The current study highlights the need for early and continuous interventions, as well as regional epidemiological surveys to guide public policies and optimize resource allocation. Multidisciplinary care and personalized treatment planning are essential to improving the quality of life of the patients and their families.

Keywords

cleft lip - cleft palate - craniofacial abnormalities - epidemiology - surgery, plastic

Authors' Contributions

BMSOS: conceptualization, methodology, validation, formal analysis, investigation, data curation, writing – original draft, writing – review and editing, visualization, supervision, and funding acquisition; RSB: conceptualization, methodology, validation, formal analysis, investigation, data curation, writing – original draft, writing – review and editing, visualization, supervision, and funding acquisition; TAS: methodology, formal analysis, investigation, and writing – original draft; MFGB: methodology, formal analysis, investigation, and writing – original draft; JJS: methodology, investigation, data curation, and writing – original draft; CAC: conceptualization, methodology, validation, formal analysis, writing – original draft, and writing – review and editing; MCO: conceptualization, methodology, validation, formal analysis, writing – original draft, writing – review and editing, visualization, supervision, and project administration.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 13. Oktober 2024

Angenommen: 20. Mai 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
27. August 2025

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