Localization of the infraorbital foramen in cleft lip and palate patients: a retrospective study

Accurate localization of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) is essential in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) to facilitate safe local anesthesia and maxillofacial surgical procedures. This study evaluated IOF morphometry using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and compared the cleft side, non-cleft side, and healthy controls. This retrospective CBCT study included 14 patients with unilateral CLP and 14 age- and sex-matched controls. Bilateral measurements were obtained from the unilateral CLP group, generating three comparison groups: control ( n = 14), non-cleft side (NCS; n = 14), and cleft side (CS; n = 14). Distances between the IOF and predefined anatomical landmarks were measured using standardized CBCT images. Group comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Tamhane’s T2 post-hoc analysis where appropriate. Age and sex distributions were comparable among the groups ( p > 0.05). Significant differences were observed for the IOF–IOM distance ( p < 0.001) and the IOF–Midline distance ( p = 0.005). The control group demonstrated greater IOF–IOM values than both the NCS and CS groups. For the IOF–midline distance, a significant difference was detected only between the control and NCS groups. No significant differences were identified for IOF–LNW, IOF–FH, IOF–PP, or IOF-Soft tissue thickness measurements (all p > 0.05). Unilateral CLP is associated with alterations in selected IOF morphometric parameters, particularly the distance to the infraorbital margin and the midsagittal plane. These findings may contribute to more accurate preoperative assessment and safer anesthesia and surgical planning in patients with unilateral CLP.