RESUMO
Objective:To evaluate the vomer development of cleft palate patients.Methods:38 patients over 1 4 years(averaged 23.4 years)of age with cleft palate and 76 controls of normal people(aged 22.8 year on average)were included.The 3D computed tomo-graphy reconstruction images of the bony nasal septum were measured.The development of the vomer was evaluated by comparing the L1 (the length of the lower edge of the vomer),L2 (the length from nasal spine to the point of the sella)and S (the approximate area of vomer)among deferent groups.Results:The L1 ,L2,and S of cleft palate patients were smaller than those of the controls(P <0. 05).Compared with the postoperative cleft cases,the S and L2 of preoperative cases were bigger(P <0.05).Conclusion:The vomer development is adversely affected by cleft palate.Not only the vomer-palate fusion is lower,but also the sutura between vomer and na-sal septum cartilage and ethmoid bone are short.And the latter is greatly influenced by surgical trauma.