Comparative study on the influence of anterior and posterior scars of hard palate on maxillary growth after cleft palate surgery: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to compare the inhibition of anterior and posterior scars of the hard palate on maxillary growth after cleft palate surgery. METHODS:Ansys was used to establish two 3D finite element models of maxilla with complete and incomplete cleft palate. The palatal scar force with same magnitude and direction but different areas was applied in four groups in the two models. The loading force was applied to 1/4 of the anterior oral surface of the hard palate (group 1), 1/4 of the middle and anterior oral surface of the hard palate (group 2), 1/4 of the middle and posterior oral surface of the hard palate (group 3), and 1/4 of the posterior oral surface of the hard palate (group 4). The displacement of each group after loading was analyzed and compared. RESULTS:In the two models, maxillary deformation occurred in all groups. The total displacement and 3D displacement comparison of each group was arranged as follows: group 1>group 2>group 3>group 4. CONCLUSIONS:Scars from different parts of the hard palate after cleft palate surgery can inhibit maxillary growth in a 3D direction. The anterior scars have more serious inhibition than the posterior scars.