[A primary study on the relationship between condyle position and anterior distraction for cross bite caused by cleft lip and palate].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes of the position of the mandibular condyle in cleft lip and palate patients with secondary bony cross-bite deformity after early orthodontic treatment with extraoral bow and facial mask. METHODS: The TMJ topograph 6 months before and after treatment was investigated in 8 patients. The width of the anterior,superior and posterior space of the TMJ was compared prior to and post treatment. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no significant difference in the width of the three spaces of the TMJ before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: The position of the mandibular condyle had no significant change after maxillary anterior distraction with extraoral bow and facial mask.