3D Analysis of Variation in Alveolar Cleft Defect Shape and Size

Objective: With the advent of precision medicine and advances in biopriting a more exact understanding of cleft defect variability is required. This study examines patterns of shape/size variation of alveolar cleft defects. Materials: 32 CBCT scans of patients (age 5-35) were used to model the shape of cleft defects. 3D Slicer was used to create models of the negative space, the sizes and volumes of which were measured using Geomagic; shape was analyzed using geometric morphometric methods and a cluster analysis. Results: We have identified a 2-cluster pattern of common shape variation which differentiate between clefts that are wider (medio-laterally) and those that are taller (supero-inferiorly). A Significant difference was found between unilateral and bilateral clefts in height and volume. A high variability in size and volume was also observed. Conclusions: There is a great degree of variation in cleft size and volume, which will likely impact the survivability of cells in bioprinted scaffolds, along with affecting the biomechanical strain across the cleft defect.