Comparison of Treatment Outcomes of Two Palatal Repair Methods Using the Modified Huddart Scoring System, EUROCRAN Yardstick, and the 5-Year-Old Indices

Background. Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is a congenital defect affecting speech, appearance, and maxillofacial growth, often requiring surgical interventions. Comparative studies are needed to evaluate the outcomes of different palatoplasty techniques for improved treatment planning. Objectives. To compare the outcomes of Nadjmi's modified Furlow palatoplasty and pushback palatoplasty techniques in UCLP patients utilizing the Modified Huddart index, EUROCRAN Yardstick, and the 5-year-old index. Methods. Forty non-syndromic UCLP patients from Shiraz Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic were included: 19 underwent Nadjmi’s modified Furlow palatoplasty, and 21 pushback palatoplasty. Study models were rated by three orthodontists using the Modified Huddart Scoring System, EUROCRAN Yardstick, and the 5-Year-Old Indices. The data was analyzed using a general linear model, with p  < 0.05 designated as the significance level. Results. According to the 5-year-old index and EUROCRAN dental arch relationships, there was a significant difference ( p  = 0.003) between the two groups. However, palatal morphology was not significantly different between the two techniques ( p  = 0.838). Mean mHB scores were − 2.45 for Nadjmi’s modified Furlow and − 8.76 for the pushback palatoplasty group ( p  < 0.001). Moreover, the oronasal fistula rate was 15% in Nadjmi’s modified Furlow and 47% in the pushback palatoplasty group. Conclusions. Nadjmi’s modified Furlow palatoplasty offers superior outcomes in maxillary growth and dental arch relationships, with fewer complications. However, based on the EUROCRAN index, palatal morphology outcomes were similar for both techniques. Moreover, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the results of the present study.