Evaluation of Mandibular Lingula Structure and Location in Pediatric Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
In brief
Children with cleft lip or palate have smaller lingula distances but unchanged relative position
In a CBCT study of 60 cleft patients and 60 matched controls aged 8 to 18, linear measurements from the mandibular lingula to several ramus landmarks were significantly shorter in the cleft group, while the anteroposterior ratio and lingula shape were similar. These findings suggest that, despite reduced dimensions, the lingula's relative location remains reliable for individualized surgical and anesthetic planning in this population.
- Journal
- The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (Q1)
- Published
- 30 August 2026
- Study design
- Cross-sectional study
- Evidence level
- Level 3, Low (CEBM 3b)
- Authors
- Yasemin Özant, Ayşe Çelik, Ceyda Özçakır Tomruk
- PMID
- 42669816
- DOI
- 10.1177/10556656261480646
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Anatomy (paper of the day, 1 September 2026): Mandibular lingula location in cleft lip/palate patients
Abstract
ObjectiveTo 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).DesignRetrospective cross-sectional study.SettingUniversity-based dentomaxillofacial radiology archive.Patients/ParticipantsCBCT scans of 120 patients aged 8-18 years (60 CLP, 60 controls; mean age 13.15 ± 3.02 years) were included in the study.InterventionsRetrospective evaluation of existing CBCT images.Main Outcome MeasuresLinear 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 (h1), 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.ResultsSignificant 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 h1 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.ConclusionsDespite 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.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.