Presurgical columellar elongation and primary retrograde nasal reconstruction in one-stage bilateral cleft lip and nose repair

Evolution of my philosophy in the treatment of unilateral cleft lip and palate

At the end of 50-year-long clinical activity, the evolution of my approach to the treatment of unilateral cleft of the lip and palate is discussed. I had several teachers in this field (Rusconi, Reherman, Perko, Delaire, Talmant, Sommerlad and others) and I introduced in my approach what I considered to be improvements from all of them. My current protocol is related to the anatomy of the cleft: for wide clefts a two-stage protocol is applied (1° step: soft palate and lip and nose repair; 2° step: hard palate repair with gingivoalveoloplasty); for narrow cleft (less than 1 cm at the posterior border of hard palate) an "all in one" protocol is performed with or without gingivoalveoloplasty (in accordance to the presence or absence of contact between the stumps at alveolar level). The most important details regarding surgery of the lip and palate are discussed. Robust data collection on speech and skeletal growth is still needed to determine whether the "all in one" approach can be validated as the treatment of choice for unilateral complete lip and palate cleft in selected cases.

Comparative Study of Early Secondary Nasal Revisions and Costs in Patients With Clefts Treated With and Without Nasoalveolar Molding

The present study aims to determine the risk of early secondary nasal revisions in patients with complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate (U/BCLP) treated with and without nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and examine the associated costs of care. A retrospective cohort study from 1990 to 1999 was performed comparing the risk of early secondary nasal revision surgery in patients with a CLP treated with NAM and surgery (cleft lip repair and primary surgical nasal reconstruction) versus surgery alone in a private practice and tertiary level clinic. The NAM treatment group consisted of 172 patients with UCLP and 71 patients with BCLP, whereas the non-NAM-prepared group consisted of 28 patients with UCLP and 5 with BCLP. The risk of secondary nasal revision for patients with UCLP was 3% in the NAM group and 21% in the non-NAM group. The risk of secondary nasal revision for patients with BCLP was 7% in the NAM group compared with 40% in the non-NAM group. Using multicenter averages, the non-NAM revision rates were calculated at 37.8% and 48.5% for U/BCLP, respectively. Applying these risks of revision, NAM treatment led to an estimated savings of between $491 and $4893 depending on the type of cleft. In conclusion, NAM can reduce the number of early secondary nasal revision surgeries and, therefore, reduce the overall cost of care.

Complex Correction of Complete Cleft Lip with Severe Prominent Premaxilla using Lip Adhesion and Nasoalveolar Molding Device

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) device is an effective treatment for protruding maxilla in infants with cleft palate. However, only a few studies have investigated the effect of NAM devices on the treatment of protruding maxilla in infants with cleft lip only. We have designed a combination treatment using NAM devices prior to cheiloplasy for cleft lip-only patients with severe anterior protrusion of the premaxilla. Three cleft lip-only infants with 1-cm or more of premaxilla protrusion were included. Definitive cheiloplasty was performed at 6 months of age without any preoperative correction in infant 1. Cheiloplasty was performed in conjunction with the use of NAM device and lip adhesion in infants 2 and 3. Postoperative columella length and anterior-posterior dimension of the protruding premaxilla were compared amongst the infants. We were able to obtain satisfactory postoperative columella length and general nasal appearance.

Update on primary cleft lip rhinoplasty

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The optimal timing and techniques utilized to address the nasal deformity of the cleft lip continue to raise challenges and debate for the surgical community. There has been a shift in the paradigm addressing the nasal deformity to a more proactive approach. The goal of this article is to provide an update of the latest techniques for primary cleft rhinoplasty.

RECENT FINDINGS

A medical literature search was performed specifically targeting primary cleft rhinoplasty in order to review the current strategies implemented, including presurgical orthopedics, surgical incisions, reconstruction, and suture techniques.

SUMMARY

Today primary rhinoplasty is performed widely with many investigators reporting improved esthetic and functional outcomes. Both endonasal and external rhinoplasty approaches have been described for the unilateral and bilateral deformity. Goals include closure of the nasal floor and sill, symmetry of the alar base, and symmetry of the lower lateral cartilages with appropriate projection of the dome. Recent literature supports that rhinoplasty performed at the time of the primary cleft lip closure may reduce the frequency and magnitude of required intermediate and definitive rhinoplasty operations.

Modern tenets for repair of bilateral cleft lip

The understanding of the bilateral cleft lip and associated nasal deformity has evolved over the last 30 years to a point where there now exists general agreement regarding the goals, principles, and strategies for operative repair. This article presents modern tenets for repair of bilateral cleft lip and describes a logical approach to correction of the different possible subtypes.

Staged rotation advancements provide improved nasal results compared to 1-stage repairs in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate

After an experience of 32 complete bilateral cleft patients treated with staged rotation advancement to lip repairs and McComb nasal corrections during an 8-year period, improved nasal results with columella and lobule of normal dimensions have been noted, and the author feels that this method can be recommended for general use.

[Cleft rhinoplasty, from primary to secondary surgery]

Despite fifty years of statistics, congresses, publications, the cleft nose remains an enigma to the great majority of cleft specialists. Most of the published papers give recipes to camouflage the cleft deformity, very few are concerned by the functional anatomy and its relation with facial growth. The complexity of the matter, the results frequently disappointing, the lack of awareness of the necessity of early nasal breathing, and the academic condemnation of any imperfect attempt to correct the nose at the time of the first operation have led to resignation. For the last forty years, we have been involved in a careful and obstinate research about the early correction of the cleft nose deformity. We wish to present our conclusions in this chapter with at least 17 years of follow-up. They are as following: in cleft patients the nasal cartilages are only deformed. We can achieve sub periosteal and sub perichondrial dissections by 6 months of age without being harmful for facial and nasal growth. Repositioning accurately the nasal structures is enough if we are able to control the healing process and prevent endonasal wound contraction. We have not to do any compromise and favor one function with regard to the others, nasal ventilation being the most important for a good facial growth. In a word, nasal pediatric surgery is necessary at the time of the first operation from 6 months of age and should be carried on with a double demand, aesthetic and functional. To achieve this goal, we must have a sound knowledge of the cleft nose deformity, of the adequate surgical techniques and of the logic chronology to reach the best result. The nose repair cannot be limited to the nasal cartilages. The whole nasal structure is concerned especially its bony framework, the width of which at the level of the piriform orifice and the nasal floor depends on the outcomes of any surgical step that it would relate to the lip, palate or alveolar closure. Interaction of all these factors calls for an appropriate answer in adequation with the diagnosis of the deformity and a coherent answer as we know that any local action may induce an unfavorable chain reaction and should integrate a global and logic project. After the primary surgery, additional correction for aesthetic or functional purpose as well, may be useful during the period of growth. For cleft teenagers or adults, the rhinoplasty can simply be indicated for harmonization after a good primary nasal correction and optimal facial growth. On the contrary, the rhinoplasty may be more or less a complex operation for the usual and severe deformities. In the last case, the diagnosis must take into account all the residual deformities, even the labial and alveolar ones, and the treatment plan integrate all the principles and techniques of the primary surgery. What has not been done at the time of the primary surgery, should be done secondarily: all the structures are present, only deformed and embedded in scarred tissues. Primary or secondary cleft rhinoplasty must be undertaken by surgeons accustomed to cleft patients, but also trained in the other fields of nasal surgery, aesthetic and reconstructive.

Effective retropulsion and centralization of the severely malpositioned premaxilla in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate: a novel modified presurgical nasoalveolar molding device with retraction screw

PURPOSE

A novel, modified presurgical nasoalveolar molding (MPNAM) device with retraction screw was designed and used in patients with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCCLP) to rapidly retract and centralize the protuberant and malpositioned premaxilla and correct the nasolabial and palatal deformities. The orthopedic effects and possible complications were evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine patients with BCCLP who met the inclusion criteria were selected. After the maxillary model was obtained, the new MPNAM device with retraction screw was designed and worn until cheilorrhaphy. Changes in local deformities and complications were observed continuously, and the orthopedic effect was evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients quickly adapted to the MPNAM appliance, and the treatment was finished after 5-8 return visits. The columella was significantly prolonged, the nasal tip was elevated, and the collapsed nasal dome was obviously improved. Simultaneously, the premaxilla was rapidly retracted and rotated, and gradually centralized; the clefts were gradually reduced and closed, and a nearly normal dental arch was formed. Although there were some complications, the orthopedic treatment was continued until cheiloplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

The MPNAM device with retraction screw can simultaneously correct nasolabial and palatal deformities and also rapidly retract and centralize the premaxilla.

Evidence-based medicine: The cleft lip nasal deformity

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: (1) Describe the components of unilateral and bilateral secondary cleft lip nasal deformity. (2) Discuss current methods of assessing the deformity and outcomes. (3) Discuss primary treatment options including the use of preoperative orthopedics, nasal molding techniques, and the primary cleft rhinoplasty. (4) Design a treatment plan for cleft patients that will optimize the outcome of nasal appearance and function. (5) Discuss the evidence regarding outcomes of current practices, and describe areas where more research is needed.

SUMMARY

This is the third Maintenance of Certification article on the secondary cleft lip nose deformity. In the first article, Guyuron defined the deformities and described techniques for the definitive (adult) rhinoplasty. The second article, by Zbar and Canady, presented evidence regarding the assessment, surgical treatment, and outcomes from the literature published between 1999 and 2009. In this article, the authors summarize important points from the first two articles and then concentrate on the evidence for the following topics: (1) methods currently used in evaluating the severity of the deformities; (2) methods used in evaluating outcomes of different treatments; (3) benefits of rhinoplasty performed at the time of the lip repair and evidence for the effect of rhinoplasties performed after infancy but before maturity; (4) presurgical orthopedics and nasoalveolar molding; (5) common surgical techniques used in primary cleft rhinoplasties; and (6) impact of the nasal deformity on quality of life. Overall, there is little high-level evidence regarding the outcomes of cleft nasal deformity treatment, leaving much room for future study.

CAD presurgical nasoalveolar molding effects on the maxillary morphology in infants with UCLP

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effectiveness of computer-aided design-nasoalveolar molding (CAD-NAM) on maxillary alveolar morphology in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

METHODS

15 infants with UCLP treated by CAD-NAM therapy composed the treatment group, and the control group consisted of 15 infants with non-presurgically treated UCLP. The maxillary morphology was analyzed by Rapidform XOR3 software. Differences in all variables pre- and post-CAD-NAM were discussed.

RESULTS

Significant difference was found in arch length, cleft gap, labial frenum deviation, A-X, A'-X, and alveolus height on both sides pre- and post-CAD-NAM.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a trend toward morphological improvement in maxillary alveoli of infants with UCLP treated with CAD-NAM. The CAD-NAM effectively reduced the cleft gap, corrected the maxilla midline, and improved the sagittal length of the maxilla. The alveolar height decreased significantly after the treatment, which indicated that the traction force of the appliance may have obstructive effects on the vertical growth of the alveolar bone.

Conchal Cartilage Graft for Correction of Bilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformities during Childhood

Background:

Various methods for primary repair of bilateral cleft lip have been developed, but they often produce inadequate results, such as an upturned nose or a short columella. We perform primary lip repair with muscle reconstruction to correct depression of the nasal floor and inferoposterior displacement of the alar base. Then, open rhinoplasty to project the nasal tip is performed during childhood. This article describes the methods and results of open rhinoplasty for bilateral cleft lip patients.

Methods:

Open rhinoplasty with a modified forked flap is performed. The harvested conchal cartilage is grafted as a strut to strengthen and extend the septum. The lower lateral cartilages are sutured to the grafted cartilage and fixed in the correct position. Before skin closure, the tips of the 2 V flaps of the forked flap and the reverse V-flap between the forked flap are trimmed. Three trapezoidal flaps are sutured to the base of the columella. Thirty patients with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities have undergone surgery. The operative results of 15 of 30 patients were evaluated photogrammetrically.

Results:

The nose was refined and more projected. The nasolabial angle and the nasal tip projection were improved. The reformed configuration was well maintained for many years. Photogrammetric analysis demonstrated increases in both the nasal height-to-width ratio and the nostril height-to-width ratio and a decrease in the nasolabial angle.

Conclusions:

Open rhinoplasty during childhood using 3 trapezoidal flaps and conchal cartilage graft improves bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities effectively.

Contemporary concepts for the bilateral cleft lip and nasal repair

The bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity presents a complex challenge for repair. Surgical techniques continue to evolve and are focused on primary anatomic realignment of the tissues. This can be accomplished in a single-stage or two-stage repair early in infancy to provide a foundation for future growth of the lip and nasal tissue. Most cleft surgeons currently perform a single-stage repair for simplifying patient care. Certain institutions utilize presurgical orthopedics for alignment of the maxillary segments and nasal shaping. Methods for the bilateral cleft lip repair are combined with various open and closed rhinoplasty techniques to achieve improved correction of the primary nasal deformity. There is recent focus on shaping the nose for columellar and tip support, as well as alar contour and alar base position. The authors will present a new technique for closure of the nasal floor to prevent the alveolar cleft fistula. Although the alveolar fistula is closed, alveolar bone grafting is still required at the usual time in dental development to fuse the maxilla. It is paramount to try and minimize the stigmata of secondary deformities that historically have been characteristic of the repaired bilateral cleft lip. A properly planned and executed repair reduces the number of revisions and can spare a child from living with secondary deformities.

An extraoral nasoalveolar molding technique in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate

SUMMARY

Although nasoalveolar molding is commonly performed before cleft lip surgery, customized palatal plate availability is limited for patients far from a hospital. This case report describes a preformed extraoral nasoalveolar molding (PENAM) appliance and treatment approach for presurgical nasoalveolar molding in newborns with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. A 12-day-old boy presented with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. The PENAM device was supported by an adhesive-taped upper lip, which consisted of a lip nasal stent made from a 0.5-mm stainless steel wire. The spring was activated monthly. The shape of the cartilaginous septum, alar cartilage tip, medial crus, lateral crus, and alveolar segments was molded to resemble the normal shape of these structures. The 9.3-mm alveolar gaps were reduced and approximated. The approximation mostly came from the major alveolus segment with approximately 6.4-mm movement. Cleft side nostril height increased 5.5 mm and deviation of the columella was corrected by 42°. PENAM can be helpful in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate because it has benefits for long-term forced delivery, requires less frequent activations, and is suitable for patients who live far from a hospital.

Nasoalveolar moulding for children with unilateral cleft lip and palate

INTRODUCTION

Cleft lip and palate represents the most frequently occurring congenital deformity second only to club foot deformity in our country. Wide alveolar clefts if not preceded by pre surgical orthodontic adjuncts like nasoalveolar moulding, may affect the final outcome of the primary surgery. Presurgical nasoalveolar moulding is to align and approximate the alveolar cleft segments while at the same time achieving correction of the nasal cartilage and soft tissue deformity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The device we used is designed by Barry Grayson. It is simple to fabricate, causes less discomfort to the patient and optimum results are achieved in three months of time, compared to other complicated appliances like Latham's which are more invasive. A child of 3 months presented with a complaint of unilateral cleft deformity on one side of the face.

CONCLUSION

After three months of nasoalveolar moulding considerable changes were observed. The widths of the cleft alveolus were reduced and the nasal contours of columella on the cleft side showed considerable improvement.

Presurgical orthopaedic nasoalveolar molding in cleft lip and palate infants: a comparative evaluation of cases done with and without nasal stents

Addressing the craniofacial anomaly of cleft lip and palate presurgically has been done since more than 50 years now, with a constant improvisation of the treatment protocols from time to time. The present study deals with a modification of the technique devised 16 years ago. The effect of nasal stents attached to a pre-surgical naso-alveolar molding (PNAM) appliance on the nasal morphology achieved prior to primary surgical correction of the cleft lip was to be evaluated. Twenty subjects, infants with cleft lip and palate, less than 2 months of age were selected for presurgical nasoalveolar molding treatment. Impressions were recorded, casts made and PNAM appliance fabricated. Ten infants were given the appliance without nasal stents and to the other ten appliances nasal stents were added. The patients were recalled every 2-3 weeks and a series of 9 measurements were recorded every visit along with adjustments made to the appliance for desirable effects on the lip, alveolus and nose. This was carried out till the patient was taken up for lip repair. The final measurements obtained at the end of the presurgical treatment were recorded. Mann-Whitney test, between study and control group showed that the increase in the columella length was statistically significant (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.033) in the study group as compared to the control group. Also the increase of the nasal tip projection (mean = 1.30 mm) in the study group was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.006) as compared to the control group. We concluded that nasal stents attached to the alveolar molding appliance, yield significant improvement of the nasal morphology and better nasal aesthetics presurgically.

Current surgical management of bilateral cleft lip in North America

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to determine contemporary surgical management of bilateral cleft lip.

METHODS

A survey was sent to North American cleft surgeons. Variables included number of bilateral cleft lip repairs per year, surgical specialty, and methods of nasolabial correction. The authors analyzed possible relationships between surgical specialty/volume and operative techniques.

RESULTS

The response rate was 40 percent (241 of 600). Annual bilateral nasolabial repairs per surgeon were as follows: zero to two, 30 percent; three to five, 46 percent; and six or more, 25 percent. For bilateral complete cleft lip, dentofacial orthopedics was used by 71 percent of respondents; synchronous closure was most commonly performed (88 percent); infrequent techniques were preliminary labial adhesions (11 percent) and staged labial closure (1 percent); and 50 percent undertook primary nasal repair. One half of respondents used nostril splinting following primary or secondary nasal correction. For bilateral incomplete cleft lip, 90 percent of surgeons performed synchronous labial repair and 36 percent did primary nasal correction. For both complete and incomplete bilateral cleft lips, high-volume surgeons were more likely to excise prolabial vermilion and use lateral vermilion-mucosal flaps to form the median tubercle. For bilateral asymmetrical cleft lip, 85 percent of surgeons practiced synchronous labial repair and 54 percent used dentofacial orthopedics on the complete side.

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronous repair was the most frequent method for bilateral cleft lip; one-half of surgeons practiced primary nasal correction. There were no associations between surgical specialty/volume and operative principles or techniques for bilateral nasolabial repair, except for construction of the median tubercle.

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) for a unilateral cleft lip and palate: a clinical report

Cleft lip and palate deformity is a congenital defect of the middle third of the face. Incidence varies from 1:500 to 1:2500 live births. Etiology depends upon hereditary and environmental factors. Restoration of these defects is important not only for functional and esthetic reasons, but also because there may be a positive psychological impact for the patient and parents. The goal of primary closure of the lip for unilateral cleft lip is to ensure a normal and symmetrical lip and nose. Presurgical infant orthopedics has been employed since the 1950s as an adjunctive neonatal therapy for the correction of cleft lip and palate. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) represents a paradigm shift from the traditional methods of presurgical infant orthopedics. PNAM consists of active molding of the alveolar segments as well as the surrounding soft tissues. This clinical report describes a new approach of PNAM therapy for an infant with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate showing significant reduction in cleft defect size and improved contour and topography of deformed surrounding soft tissues.

Correction of maxillary deformity in infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate using computer-assisted design

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to introduce a method of presurgical maxillary molding using computer-aided design and rapid prototyping in infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate.

STUDY DESIGN

Seven infants (4 male and 3 female with overall mean age of 7 days) with bilateral cleft lip and palate were subjected to nasoalveolar molding (NAM) technique before the cleft lip repair. The upper denture casts were scanned by a 3-dimensional laser scanner. The digital geometric data were exported to print the solid model with rapid prototyping system. The NAM appliances were fabricated based on these solid models.

RESULTS

The computer-aided design could simplify the NAM procedure and estimate the treatment objective. The appliances could be fabricated based on the rapid prototyping system.

CONCLUSIONS

In infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate, the presurgical orthopedic treatment design and the appliance fabrication could be simplified with computer-aided reverse engineering and rapid prototyping technique.

Anthropometric evaluation of bilateral cleft lip nose with cone beam computed tomography in early childhood: Estimation of nasal tip collapse

BACKGROUND

Nasal tip features of cleft lip nose cannot be defined well using conventional measurement methods. Therefore, we developed a new method in which vertical nasal tip (the pronasale) position is evaluated based on the Frankfurt-Horizontal plane. This measurement was applied to bilateral cleft lip patients in early childhood.

METHODS

Cone beam computed tomography (CT) records of bilateral cleft lip patients after primary rhinoplasty aged from 5 to 8 years (n = 13) were investigated retrospectively. As age-matched controls, data from a normal group (n = 17) and complete unilateral cleft lip group after primary rhinoplasty (n = 19) were included. In each group, nasolabial angle (β), nasal tip angle (α), nasal width (al-al), columellar length (sn-c' ), nasal tip protrusion (sn-prn), and vertical nasal tip position (sn'-prn'/sn'-n') were investigated.

RESULTS

With the exception of vertical nasal tip position and nasal width, the measurement data of the bilateral cleft lip patients were acceptable. In the bilateral cleft lip group, however, vertical nasal tip position was significantly higher and nasal width was significantly larger than those in the normal and unilateral groups (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0298; P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In cleft lip nose, the lower lateral cartilage that normally composes the nasal tip domes is splayed out, causing cephalic positioning of the pronasale. Nasal tip collapse was more severe in bilateral cleft lip than in the unilateral group. These results were compatible with the fact that many bilateral cleft lip patients require augmentation rhinoplasty after adolescence even after primary rhinoplasty.

Repair of bilateral cleft lip and its variants

The surgeon who lifts a scalpel to repair a bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity is accountable for: 1) precise craftsmanship based on three-dimensional features and four-dimensional changes; 2) periodic assessment throughout the child's growth; and 3) technical modifications during primary closure based on knowledge gained from long-term follow-up evaluation. These children should not have to endure the stares prompted by nasolabial stigmata that result from outdated concepts and technical misadventures. The principles for repair of bilateral complete cleft lip have evolved to such a level that the child's appearance should be equivalent to, or surpass, that of a unilateral complete cleft lip. These same principles also apply to the repair of the variants of bilateral cleft lip, although strategies and execution differ slightly.

Bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity

Bilateral cleft lip nose deformity is a multi-factorial and complex deformity which tends to aggravate with growth of the child, if not attended surgically. The goals of primary bilateral cleft lip nose surgery are, closure of the nasal floor and sill, lengthening of the columella, repositioning of the alar base, achieving nasal tip projection, repositioning of the lower lateral cartilages, and reorienting the nares from horizontal to oblique position. The multiplicity of procedures in the literature for correction of this deformity alludes to the fact that no single procedure is entirely effective. The timing for surgical intervention and its extent varies considerably. Early surgery on cartilage may adversely affect growth and development; at the same time, allowing the cartilage to grow in an abnormal position and contributing to aggravation of deformity.

Some surgeons advocate correction of deformity at an early age. However, others like the cartilages to grow and mature before going in for surgery. With peer pressure also becoming an important consideration during the teens, the current trend is towards early intervention.

There is no unanimity in the extent of nasal dissection to be done at the time of primary lip repair. While many perform limited nasal dissection for the fear of growth retardation, others opt for full cartilage correction at the time of primary surgery itself. The value of naso-alveolar moulding (NAM) too is not universally accepted and has now more opponents than proponents. Also most centres in the developing world have neither the personnel nor the facilities for the same. The secondary cleft nasal deformity is variable and is affected by the extent of the original abnormality, any prior surgeries performed and alteration due to nasal growth.

This article reviews the currently popular methods for correction of nasal deformity associated with bilateral cleft lip, it's management both at the time of cleft lip repair and also secondarily, at a later date. It also discusses the practices followed at our centre.

A 12-year anthropometric evaluation of the nose in bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate patients following nasoalveolar molding and cutting bilateral cleft lip and nose reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate have nasal deformities including reduced nasal tip projection, widened ala base, and a deficient or absent columella. The authors compare the nasal morphology of patients treated with presurgical nasoalveolar molding followed by primary lip/nasal reconstruction with age-matched noncleft controls.

METHODS

A longitudinal, retrospective review of 77 nonsyndromic patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate was performed. Nasal tip protrusion, alar base width, alar width, columella length, and columella width were measured at five time points spanning 12.5 years. A one-sample t test was used for statistical comparison to an age-matched noncleft population published by Farkas.

RESULTS

All five measurements demonstrated parallel, proportional growth in the treatment group relative to the noncleft group. The nasal tip protrusion, alar base width, alar width, columella length, and columella width were not statistically different from those of the noncleft, age-matched control group at age 12.5 years. The nasal tip protrusion also showed no difference in length at 7 and 12.5 years. The alar width and alar base width were significantly wider at the first four time points.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to describe nasal morphology following nasoalveolar molding and primary surgical repair in patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate through the age of 12.5 years. In this investigation, the authors have shown that patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate treated at their institution with nasoalveolar molding and primary nasal reconstruction, performed at the time of their lip repair, attained nearly normal nasal morphology through 12.5 years of age.

Bilateral cleft lip and nose repair

Over the last three decades bilateral cleft lip and nose repair has been characterised by a trend towards more detailed reconstruction of the nasolabial muscles together with simultaneous correction of the deformity. An understanding of the true nature of the nasal deformity in bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) has gradually emerged, and has inspired new approaches to their repair. This article discusses recent trends and controversies in primary cheilorhinoplasty for BCLP.

Design features and simple methods of incorporating nasal stents in presurgical nasoalveolar molding appliances

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in the orofacial orthopedic treatment of unilateral clefts of the lip and palate aims to align and approximate the maxillary hemialveolar segments and simultaneously support and mold the deformed nasal cartilages, correct and center nasal tip projection, and lengthen the deficient cleft-side columella in early infancy, before the primary reparative lip surgery. A number of techniques of achieving these objectives have been described in the literature and are increasingly being practiced by cleft care teams around the world. However, a detailed description of the nasal stent is lacking in the literature and needs to be elucidated to facilitate greater usage of presurgical NAM in contemporary practice. This report fills this void by providing an analytical description of the different parts of the nasal stent; clarifies their desirable design features, anatomic correlations, and clinical importance; and illustrates in a step-by-step manner simple direct and indirect methods of incorporating a nasal stent, improvised by the author in his practice, that can be used with any of the contemporary NAM appliances and techniques. From the simple methods described, clinicians will be enabled to select one that may be most easily adaptable to their preferred appliance and clinical setting.

Primary bilateral one-stage cleft lip/nose repair: 40-year Dallas experience: part I

A 40-year experience with a proven protocol of repair for primary bilateral cleft lip/nose is presented. The Dallas surgical protocol for primary bilateral cleft lip/nose repair depends on the anatomy of the deformity. In cases of complete and partial bilaterally symmetric cleft lip, alveolus, and palate, 1-stage lip closure was performed at 3 months of age. In cases of asymmetric or incomplete bilateral clefts, an extremely small prolabium (<6 mm in vertical height), or a displaced or severely projected premaxilla, a 2-stage lip closure is more feasible ("Primary Bilateral Cleft Lip/Nose Repair Part II"). Primary nasal reconstruction was at 1 year of age. Early nasal reconstruction eliminates severe secondary deformity and the need for major early surgery. Orthognathic surgery was performed in approximately 40% of the senior surgeon's bilateral cleft patients to achieve optimal facial balance and aesthetics. Ten completed cases are presented with their long-term outcomes. The long-term outcomes of speech, occlusion, and facial balance are good to excellent in most of our bilateral patients. But in many cases, outcome of the lip/nose is still unsatisfying in the senior author's opinion compared with the results of unilateral cleft patients. These long-term outcomes are determined by the severity of the cleft deformity, primary repair technique, secondary surgery, and, most important, a protocol performed by a multidisciplinary experienced team until growth is complete. This technique should be considered in the treatment of all bilateral clefts, depending on the anatomy and team availability.

Primary bilateral two-stage cleft lip/nose repair: part II

The Dallas surgical protocol for primary bilateral cleft lip/nose repair depends on the anatomy of the deformity. In cases of asymmetric bilateral clefts, an extremely small prolabium (<6 mm in vertical high) or a displaced premaxilla, a 2-stage lip repair was performed. At the same time, assessment of the tissue available for the columella determined the approach to the nose. In this part, the technique of 2-stage lip/nose repair of the bilateral cleft lip and palate is reviewed, and the long-term outcomes are presented.

Photometric evaluation of bilateral cleft lip and palate patients after primary columella lengthening

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results in terms of nasal esthetics of children with bilateral cleft lip and palate, operated with the Cutting primary columella lengthening technique, associated with Grayson orthopedic nasoalveolar molding, and to compare them with the nasal aspects of children with bilateral cleft lip and palate operated with a traditional approach and to an age-matched sample of normal Caucasian children.

DESIGN

Normalized photogrammetry.

SETTING

Regional Center for CLP, Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, Milan.

PATIENTS

Three groups of patients 5 years of age. Cutting group: 18 patients treated with the Grayson-Cutting technique. Delaire group: 18 patients treated with the traditional Delaire technique. Normal children: 40 normal preschool children.

RESULTS

With the Cutting-Grayson technique, the columella length, nasal tip angle, and protrusion are greatly improved compared with the previous protocol and are close to normal. On the other hand, the nasolabial angle and interalar distances are still excessively wide in both samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this is not a long-term study, at this time none of the patients operated with this technique have needed secondary columella lengthening. On the other hand, although certainly improved, the nasal anatomy obtained is far from normal.

Long-term results in the bilateral cleft lip repair by Mulliken's method

PURPOSE

To evaluate long-term results in the bilateral cleft lip repair by Mulliken's method, using anthropometric measurements, we assessed the growth of the nose and upper lip after the operation by comparing with those from 30 children without bilateral cleft lip.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four patients had their bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity repaired simultaneously by Mulliken's method during the period from July 1997 to December 2007. Of these patients, 15 patients had bilateral complete cleft lip, 17 patients had bilateral incomplete cleft lip, and 12 patients had a mixed type of complete and incomplete bilateral cleft lip.To follow up on the growth of the lips and nose after the operation, the following 6 anthropometric measurements were analyzed: nasal tip protrusion, nasal width, columellar length, upper lip height, cutaneous lip height, and vermilion mucosa height.

RESULTS

In most patients, nasal length, nasal tip projection, columellar length, and upper lip shape were appropriate. Nasal tip protrusion, nasal width, upper lip height, and vermilion-mucosal height were within normal limit. However, columellar length and cutaneous lip height were relatively shorter than the average values of children without bilateral cleft lip.

CONCLUSIONS

By performing Mulliken's method, we can achieve natural lip and nasal shape, harmonious Cupid's bow, appropriate nasal projection, and natural philtrum.

A new modified forked flap with subcutaneous pedicles for adult cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity: from normalization to aesthetic improvement

In adult cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity, an esthetically satisfying result can not be obtained only by manipulation inside the nose with the nasal tip pointing upward. The nasal tip should be made in a more anterior direction for nasal esthetic improvement. Additional tissue beyond the nose is needed, and the forked flap is a useful method in such cases. However, the blood circulation of long and narrow flaps containing the scar, especially after open rhinoplasty, is unstable. We have developed a new long and narrow forked flap that has a more stable blood circulation. The forked flap was made using two subcutaneous pedicles attached to the periphery of the each flap. We applied this flap to five adult cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Four of the cases had the scar associated with the flying bird incision, and one case required no treatment after the primary repair. All the flaps took without signs of partial necrosis. In all cases, the nasal tip was projected forward with adequate columella elongation, and the profile was esthetically improved. In the final stage of correction for adult cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity, this method, making maximum use of the tissue containing the scar in not only the white lip but also the vermilion, is very effective. It is very important to obtain nasal esthetic improvement for the adult patient with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.

Complications and solutions in presurgical nasoalveolar molding therapy

OBJECTIVE

To outline three main categories of nasoalveolar molding complications, describe their etiologies and manifestations, and prescribe preventive and palliative therapy for their proper management. Estimates of the incidence of each complication also are provided.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively from the charts of 27 patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate treated by the first author (D.L.-B.) at the University of Puerto Rico (n = 12) and the Medical College of Georgia (n = 15). Confidence intervals for the true incidence of each complication were calculated using exact methods based on the binomial distribution. A significance level of .05 was used for all statistical tests.

RESULTS

Of the soft and hard tissue complications considered, only one (tissue irritation) had an estimated incidence greater than 10%. Compliance issues were of greater concern, with an estimated incidence of 30% for broken appointments and an estimated incidence of 26% for removal of the nasoalveolar molding appliance by the tongue.

CONCLUSIONS

Although benefits outnumber the complications, it is important to address all complications in order to prevent any deleterious outcomes.

Nasoalveolar molding improves appearance of children with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate

BACKGROUND

Bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate is associated with nasal deformities typified by a short columella. The authors compared nasal outcomes of cleft patients treated with banked fork flaps to those of patients who underwent nasoalveolar molding and primary retrograde nasal reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 26 consecutive patients with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate was performed. Group 1 patients (n = 13) had a cleft lip repair and nasal correction with banked fork flaps. Group 2 patients (n = 13) had nonsurgical columellar elongation with nasoalveolar molding followed by cleft lip closure and primary retrograde nasal correction. Group 3 patients (n = 13) were age-matched controls. Columellar length was measured at presentation and at 3 years of age. The number of nasal operations was recorded to 9 years. The Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey-Kramer tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Initial columellar length was 0.49 +/- 0.37 mm in group 1 and 0.42 +/- 0.62 mm in group 2. Post-nasoalveolar molding columellar length was 4.5 +/- 0.76 mm in group 2. By 3 years of age, columellar length was 3.03 +/- 1.47 mm in group 1, 5.98 +/- 1.09 mm in group 2, and 6.35 +/- 0.99 mm in group 3. Group 2 columellar length was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than that of group 1 and not statistically different from that of group 3 (p > 0.05). All group 1 patients (13 of 13) needed secondary nasal surgery. No nasoalveolar molding patients (zero of 13, group 2) required secondary nasal surgery.

CONCLUSION

Nonsurgical columellar elongation with nasoalveolar molding followed by primary retrograde nasal reconstruction restored columellar length to normal by 3 years and significantly reduced the need for secondary nasal surgery.

Bilateral cleft lip and nasal repair

SUMMARY

The bilateral cleft lip and nasal repair has remained a challenging endeavor. Techniques have evolved to address concerns over unsatisfactory features and stigmata of the surgery. The authors present an approach to this complex clinical problem that modifies traditional repairs described by Millard and Manchester. The senior author (H.S.B.) has developed this technique with over 25 years of surgical experience dealing with the bilateral cleft lip. This staged lip and nasal repair provides excellent nasal projection, lip function, and aesthetic outcomes. Lip repair is performed at 3 months of age. Columellar lengthening is performed at approximately 18 months of age. A key component of this repair focuses on reconstruction of the central tubercle. A triangular prolabial dry vermilion flap is augmented by lateral lip vermilion flaps that include the profundus muscle of the orbicularis oris. This minimizes lateral lip segment sacrifice and provides improved central vermilion fullness, which is often deficient in traditional repairs. The authors present the surgical technique and examples of their clinical results.

Recent advances in presurgical molding in cleft lip and palate

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although many protocols for treating infants with cleft lip and palate have been successful, the severely wide deformities often require a multidisciplined team approach. Maxillary appliances have been used for 50 years; however, nasal molding is a relatively recent development that has shown progress but not without stalwart criticism.

RECENT FINDINGS

Presurgical nasal alveolar molding is an evolving technique in the treatment of cleft lip and palate. Used properly, molding can create improved nasal symmetry in unilateral cases and columellar lengthening in bilateral cases. Some regression of improvement is often seen in the following years due to differential growth patterns within the nasal subunits. The nasal septal and columellar deviation seen in unilateral cleft lip and palate can also be improved with a novel device.

SUMMARY

Although traditional repair of the cleft lip and nasal deformity is often adequate, severely wide clefts are amenable to a variety of presurgical measures. Presurgical nasal alveolar molding in children with cleft lip and palate allows repositioning of the maxillary alveolus and surrounding soft tissues in hopes of reducing wound tension and improving results. These techniques can be extremely challenging but an excellent addition to a cleft lip and palate team's armamentarium.

Correction of the alveolar gap and nostril deformity by presurgical passive orthodontia in the unilateral cleft lip

The use of the nasoalveolar molding technique (NAM) aims to reduce passively the width of the alveolar gap, while improving the AP discrepancy but also focusing on the nose. We developed a within-subjects study in which 11 infants with unilateral lip deformity and varying degrees of alveolar gaps were treated by NAM. Patients included in the study presented alveolar gap at the first appointment to configure the molding device. Alveolar gap was then measured again at the time of lip repair to evaluate the impact of the appliance utilization, and the nostril shape was reassessed to verify the benefit relative to nose symmetry. All patients obtained significant reduction of the alveolar gap. The appliance also facilitated primary nasal positioning, significantly improving nasal symmetry and nostril shape. NAM constitutes an important adjunct to ameliorate the results of primary definitive lip repair while also improving the surgeon's ability to provide nasal symmetry.

Management of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity can be a challenging task. This paper provides an overview of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity with an updated review of current management issues in the literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that orofacial clefts are now the most common birth defect. While this statistic may be disheartening, the increased prevalence brings the problem to light at the forefront of the medical community, thus gaining more support and resources. Many techniques have been described for repair of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity. A recent advancement in presurgical orthopedics is the use of nasoalveolar molding to narrow wide clefts.

SUMMARY

Surgical management of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity poses a challenge to the skill and judgment of the cleft surgeon. Although techniques continue to evolve over the decades, the basic principles of cleft surgery remain the same. The main principles are to achieve an appropriate philtral size and shape, to position the cartilages in a more optimal position, and to attain muscular continuity and symmetry for optimal appearance and function. Thus, while keeping the basic principles in mind, management of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity becomes a valuable and rewarding experience for the surgeon, patient and caregiver.

Three-dimensional facial morphology following surgical repair of unilateral cleft lip and palate in patients after nasoalveolar molding

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate three-dimensional (3D) facial morphology in patients surgically corrected for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) following pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM).

DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal study. Digital stereophotogrammetry was used to capture 3D facial images, and x, y, and z coordinates of five landmarks were digitized to compute mean morphologies. The sample comprised 15 patients with left UCLP and 10 matched control subjects. Facial form differences at age 37 weeks, using principal components analysis and finite-element scaling analysis (FESA) were assessed.

RESULTS

Using the first two principal components, which accounted for 63% of the total shape-change, UCLP and control groups showed similar distributions in the modal space (p > 0.05). For the UCLP group, the mean 3D facial form was smaller and less protrusive when superimposed on the non-cleft mean. Using FESA, reductions in facial volume were found in the UCLP group, involving the columella (29%), labial tubercle (51%), lower lip (29%) and lateral aspects of the face (19%). The UCLP group also showed increases in size above the tip of the nose (25%) and laterally to the columella directly below the nares (29%).

CONCLUSIONS

Following surgical repair of UCLP in patients previously treated with NAM, 3D facial morphology was virtually indistinguishable from the non-cleft mean. Clinically, the apparent improvement in the facial soft tissues may mask dysmorphic skeletal growth, and further studies are required to characterize the underlying bony changes associated with the soft tissue changes reported here.

[Nasal deformity after bilateral cleft lip repair]

Primary nasal deformity is characterized by apparent prolabio-columellar skin shortness due to alar cartilage dislocation worsened by lack of muscular support. The secondary deformation retains part of the initial deformity, sometimes even worsened by the primary lip repair. Multiple surgical lengthening techniques were used in nasal defect correction, suggesting both technical complexity and unsatisfactory results. Indeed, columellar insufficiency has more to do with abnormal columello-apical skin distribution due to alar mispositioning than an effective lack of skin. Secondary correction by open rhinoplasty allowing careful cartilage reconstruction of the nose tip seems to be widely accepted. However, the nasal defect can be limited by performing a primary intervention focusing on two principles: columellar lengthening by early alar repositioning and simultaneous lip and nose repair.

[A functional approach in the primary treatment of labial-alveolar-velopalatine clefts for a minimum of sequels]

Is the poor potential of growth an ineluctable consequence of mesodermal deficiency? Should we agree with the idea that all protocols are equivalent? Actually, these opinions reflect the empiricism of previous generations. We must now become rational and develop a project without compromise to achieve good functions at primary surgery. 'The normal structures are present on either side of the cleft, only modified by the fact of the cleft...' Victor Veau's hypothesis is the conclusion of rigorous anatomical and embryological research. Our current knowledge of the pathological anatomy allows for a better restoration of the normal anatomy. Anatomy is nothing if it is not functional. Every thing should be done to control the healing process to allow the best expression and interaction of the various functions, especially for those concerning nasal ventilation and masticatory efficiency. To correct the deformity, the cleft surgeon must perform a wide subperiosteal and subperichondrial elevation and must learn the skills of this accurate work to preserve the integrity of very fragile structures. The primary treatment must take into account a rational and uncompromising selection of the age of the first operation, of the successive procedures, and their chronology to benefit from the growth spurt of the maxilla, and to avoid the worse scars resulting from secondary epithelialization. Finally, if nasal breathing is the most important function concerning facial growth, it is essential to restore this normal function at the time of the first operation. The oral breathing pattern set at the time of the first operation leaves a cortical imprint that is very difficult to erase, even after clearing the nasal airways. The results of the functional approach we have used in the last decade are particularly consistent and very convincing. In this ambitious and demanding program, the patient comes first; we decrease the burden for him and his family, and give them the benefit of a good social life before school age.

Dynamic presurgical nasal remodeling in patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate: modification to the original technique

OBJECTIVE

To present technical modifications to the original presurgical nasal remodeling appliance introduced in 1991. The purpose of the modifications is to improve the cleft nasal deformity before unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repair.

METHOD

The principle behind this technique, known as dynamic presurgical nasal remodeling (DPNR), is the use of the force generated during suction and swallowing. A conventional intraoral plate is built with a nasal extension added to the labial vestibular flange. The nasal extension was modified and consists of three components. The palatal plate is left loose in the mouth to generate a discontinuous but controlled impact directed to the affected nasal structures during suction and swallowing. The principle aim of the DPNR technique in unilateral cases is to improve the deformation of nasal structures by straightening the columella, elevating the nasal tip, and remodeling the depressed cleft side alar cartilages. In bilateral cases, the aims are to elongate the columella and to obtain nasal tip projection.

CONCLUSIONS

The modifications introduced in the appliance enhance the original DPNR technique and are effective in ameliorating the initial cleft nasal deformity. This facilitates primary surgical cleft lip and nose correction and improves surgical outcomes in patients with complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Repositioning of Premaxilla in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Using a "J-hook Headgear"

The purpose of this clinical approach is to present the successful treatment of the severely protruded and extruded premaxilla with high-pull J-hook headgear. Two patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate deformity and a protruding and extruding premaxilla causing a deep bite were treated with high-pull J-hook headgear and fixed orthodontic appliances. The lateral cephalometric measurements before and after orthodontic treatment were evaluated with Ricketts analysis. The premaxillae of the two patients were repositioned, correcting the deep overbite and overjet and a well-functioning occlusion was attained. The repositioning of an inferiorly positioned and protruded premaxilla with J-hook headgear is an alternative treatment approach compared to other treatment modalities.

Difference in alveolar molding effect and growth in the cleft segments: 3-dimensional analysis of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to observe the alveolar molding (AM) effect and growth of unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients using 3-dimensional (3D) analysis.

STUDY DESIGN

The sample consisted of 16 Korean UCLP infants who were treated using presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) appliance and rotation-advancement cheiloplasty. The maxillary models were obtained at the initial visit, after PNAM treatment 1 month before cheiloplasty, and 2 months after cheiloplasty.

RESULTS

The cleft gap was reduced by AM of the greater segment (GS) during PNAM treatment and of the anterior alveolar segments (AAS) through lip pressure after cheiloplasty. Although forward growth of GS was restrained by the PNAM treatment, it resumed after cheiloplasty. The amount of increase in the area and distance variables were largest in the posterior alveolar segments (PAS) only after cheiloplasty.

CONCLUSION

Alveolar molding took place mainly in AAS during PNAM treatment, and growth occurred mainly in PAS after cheiloplasty.