Volumetric assessment of alveolar clefts: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a review of the literature on methods for volumetric assessment of alveolar clefts and ascertain which methods are most precise to guide future research.

METHODS: The PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched for English-language reports of clinical and in vitro studies with detailed descriptions of imaging modality, sample characteristics, and method for measurement of alveolar cleft volume.

RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 34 articles, of which 14 were selected for in-depth analysis. According to the findings of computed tomography (CT)-based studies, the CT modalities and software employed for assessment were deemed reliable and satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of alveolar cleft volume by the proposed methods and using the equipment and software employed in the analyzed studies has high efficacy and efficiency and can be safely used for cleft lip and palate treatment planning.