Repair of bilateral cleft lip: review, revisions, and reflections

Cephalometric analyses of the correlation between nasal and maxilla morphology among adult patients with cleft

OBJECTIVE

To explore if the nasal profile is influenced by maxillary hypoplasia among patients with congenital cleft lip and palate.

METHODS

Young adult patients with cleft and noncleft controls were enrolled. Nasal and maxillary profiles were measured on lateral cephalometric radiographs. The Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey post-hoc tests were employed for intergroup comparison among various the cleft types, and Pearson's product moment correlation coefficients were calculated to detect the correlation between nasal and maxillary cephalometric measurements.

RESULTS

A total of 250 participants were enrolled, including 64 with unilateral cleft lip and alveolae; 22 with bilateral cleft lip and alveolae; 49 with unilateral cleft lip, alveolae, and palate; 35 with bilateral cleft lip, alveolae, and palate; and 80 controls. Patients with cleft demonstrated significant difference in nasal and maxillary profiles when compared with the normal controls. The nasal dorsum length had a significant positive correlation with anterior and posterior maxillary height. The upper nasal dorsum length had a significant negative correlation with the maxillary protrusion. Among patients with bilateral cleft, the nasal dorsum length was also significantly negatively correlated with the maxillary protrusion.

CONCLUSION

The nasal profile is closely related to the growth of maxillae among patients with cleft and the normal population.

Surgical management of severely protruding premaxilla in bilateral clefts

BACKGROUND

In the cases of severe premaxillary protrusion where nasoalveolar moulding could not be delivered, we have opted for primary osteotomy of premaxilla/vomer to achieve tensionless closure of lip. The aim of present study is to document our experience with both kinds of osteotomies; premaxillary and vomerine.

METHODS

In last seven years, 104 patients of bilateral cleft lip with severely protruding premaxilla reported to our unit. Out of these patients, 26 underwent primary osteotomy of premaxilla/vomer. Follow up period ranged from 4 to 72 months.

RESULTS

In both types of osteotomies, we did not observe any issues with vascularity of premaxilla, eruption and vitality of maxillary incisors. Manipulation of osteotomised segment and closure of lip were more convenient in premaxillary osteotomy. Healing was satisfactory in all the patients except two. Aesthetic outcome was acceptable in all except five patients of premaxillary and three cases of vomerine osteotomy.

CONCLUSION

Primary setback osteotomy of premaxilla/vomer is a safe procedure to manage bilateral cleft lip with excessive protrusion of premaxilla. Regular follow-up should be done in such cases to assess the growth of midface and if required corrective orthodontic and/or surgical treatment should be carried out.

Premaxillary Setback in the Management of Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip: A 2 Decade Review

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzes indications and outcomes of premaxillary setback (PS) and presents an algorithm for its use in patients with bilateral cleft lip and/or palate (BCL ± P).

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

A retrospective review was conducted evaluating patients with BCL ± P undergoing lip repair from 2003-2023. Patients were categorized as undergoing repair with (BCL + PS) or without (BCL-PS) simultaneous PS. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM), indications for PS, timing of surgery, and complications were collected.

INTERVENTIONS

BCL with PS, BCL + PS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES(S)

Primary outcomes included rates of postoperative complications and revision surgeries. Secondary outcome was the need for orthognathic surgery to correct midface hypoplasia in patients at least 14 years old at their most recent follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 1193 patients, 262 met inclusion criteria. One hundred forty-nine patients (56.9%) were referred for NAM. Fifty-one patients (19.5%) underwent PS during primary BCL repair. Patients who failed repositioning of the premaxilla following presurgical NAM (n = 12) were not candidates for NAM (n = 31) or presented late with a protruding premaxilla (n = 8, 12.977 ± 8.196 months) underwent PS. Median age at surgery was 4.29 months. Complications included wound dehiscence (n = 3) and abscess formation (n = 2). No premaxillary necrosis occurred. Overall revision rates were 9.9%. Of 41 patients over 14 years old, 53.6% needed orthognathic surgery. BCL + PS had comparable rates of wound dehiscence (2.0% vs 4.0%; P = .790), lip revisions (7.8% vs 10.4%; P = .770), and orthognathic surgery (50.0% vs 56.3%; P > .999).

CONCLUSION

PS is a safe and effective method to facilitate BCL repair in patients who are not candidates for NAM.

Evaluation of Postoperative Outcomes Following Early and Late Palate Repair: A Preclinical Study

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively assess the impact of early versus late surgical intervention on midfacial growth using a mouse model.

METHODS

A full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap surgery was performed on newborn (P17) mice and on neonatal (P30) mice. High-resolution micro-computed tomographic imaging coupled with histomorphometric analyses was used to assess craniomaxillofacial growth. Histology and immunohistochemical analyses were used to assess cellular and molecular responses postsurgery.

RESULTS

Early surgical intervention at P17 resulted in significant midfacial growth arrest, with pronounced maxillary hypoplasia. Histomorphometric analyses revealed significant (P < 0.05) growth disruptions in the mid-palatal suture complex, including premature removal of the cartilaginous growth plate and its replacement by bone. In the suture itself, cell proliferation was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared with controls. The same surgical intervention performed in mice at P30 did not lead to significant midfacial growth arrest.

CONCLUSIONS

Early surgical intervention in a mouse model mirrors the adverse growth outcomes in children undergoing early cleft repair. Molecular and cellular observations accompanying this midfacial growth arrest may inform therapeutic strategies to mitigate midfacial growth disturbances in patients and highlight the need for refined surgical techniques to minimize adverse growth outcomes.

Surgical Correction of Secondary Bilateral Cleft lip and Nasal Deformities Using the Delaire-Precious Technique

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the surgical correction of secondary bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformities using the Delaire-Precious technique for Asian patients with bilateral cleft lip +/- palate (BCL+/-P).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-six patients with BCL+/-P in Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam underwent secondary lip correction using the Delaire-Precious technique by a single surgeon.

METHODS

The critical concepts of this surgical technique are discussed and clarified. A patient/parent satisfaction survey was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of this technique.

RESULTS

The Delaire-Precious technique improves Cupid's bow's symmetry and the central tubercule's volume. The scar tissue between lateral and medial philtrum incisions is excised. The orbicularis oris muscle is then reconstructed with a midline suture placed above the periosteum of the premaxilla. Most patients (90.9%) and all parents were at satisfied with the surgical result. The technique was highly satisfactory to patients and parents except at the level of scar correction.

CONCLUSION

The secondary bilateral cleft lip and nasal repair using the Delaire-Precious technique is an adaptable technique that can be applied to various ethnic groups. It was found to be a satisfactory technique for Asian patients with BCL+/-P.

Single-Stage Posterior Vomerine Ostectomy and Primary Cheiloplasty in Patients with Bilateral Cleft Lip & Palate and Protuberant Premaxilla

OBJECTIVE

A protruded premaxilla has always been challenging to care for by cleft care professionals. This study aims to fortify the use of a single-stage premaxillary setback, with posterior vomerine ostectomy and primary cheiloplasty to achieve proper care for patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and protruded premaxilla.

DESIGN

Longitudinal retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Twenty-three outreach programs to four countries (Ecuador, Lebanon, Peru, and El-Salvador) between 2016-2022.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-five patients between the ages of 3 months and 6 years and 5 months, with BCLP and severely protruded premaxilla underwent premaxillary setback via posterior vomerine ostectomy and primary cheiloplasty. Patients with diagnosed syndromes and inaccessible vomer bone due to fused palates were excluded from the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Premaxillary setback with posterior vomerine ostectomy, bilateral gingivoperiosteoplasties (GPP), and primary cheiloplasty.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Postoperative complications and aesthetic outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean age at surgery was 13.17 ± 14.1 months, with an average follow-up time of 26 ± 17 months. Patients underwent their procedures in Ecuador (72%), Peru (9%), Lebanon (8%) and El-Salvador (1%). The majority of patients were aged 1 year or less (66.7%) and were males (58.5%). All patients were operated on successfully and had good aesthetic outcomes. Only one patient developed partial necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with BCLP and severe premaxillary protrusion have always carried immense social, psychological, and financial burdens, especially in outreach settings. Our described single-stage technique has proven to be safe and effective with good aesthetic results. Further follow-up after primary repair should be done to document and ensure proper facial growth and normal nasolabial maturation.

Utility of J-Shaped Scar Tissue-Based Flap for Secondary Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair: A One-Stage Procedure with Successful Outcomes on Correction of Vermilion Border, Volume Deficiency of Lip, and Muscular Function

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of J: -shaped scar-tissue-based flap as a new technique in secondary bilateral cleft lip reconstruction in patients with challenging secondary deformities. A total of 52 patients, comprising 38 males and 14 females with a mean age of 21.0 years (range: 16-42 years), who underwent secondary bilateral cleft lip repair operation via the J: -shaped scar tissue flap technique in our clinic between 2014 and 2019 were included. Postoperatively, patients were followed up for an average of 2 years (range, 6 months to 5 years) to assess the outcomes regarding vermilion border, philtrum symmetry, function of the orbicularis muscle, and lip volumetric symmetry, based on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), patient-reported outcomes, and independent plastic surgeons' examinations. After an average follow-up of 2 years, outcomes regarding vermilion border, philtrum symmetry, function of the orbicularis muscle, and lip volumetric symmetry were successful, and none of the patients experienced new notch formation, muscular functional loss, lip volume loss, or asymmetry. Owing to good muscular function preventing the stretching, the postoperative scars become more acceptable to the patients. The technique has proven to be safe and successful through the GAIS objective assessment, as also confirmed by the examinations of the three independent surgeons, while the majority of patients reported an exceptional improvement in the appearance alongside a more than 95% satisfaction rate with the operation. In conclusion, our findings revealed successful functional and aesthetic outcome of using J: -shaped scar tissue flaps in secondary repair of cleft lips. The technique was associated not only with the correction of significant secondary deformities yielding an improved and symmetrical lip volume, correction of vermilion notch, and prevention of notch re-formation but also with the restoration of orbicularis oris muscle function and thus integrity of the lip with minimal scarring.

Secondary Bilateral Cleft Rhinoplasty: Achieving an Aesthetic Result

BACKGROUND

Secondary rhinoplasty in patients with bilateral cleft lip poses ongoing challenges and requires a reliable method for achieving optimal outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to establish a safe and effective method for secondary bilateral cleft rhinoplasty.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 92 skeletally matured patients with bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity were included. All had undergone secondary open rhinoplasty, performed by a single surgeon with a bilateral reverse-U flap and septal extension graft, between 2013 and 2021. Medical records of these 92 patients were reviewed to assess the clinical course. A 3-dimensional (3D) anthropometric analysis and panel assessment of 32 patients were performed to evaluate the aesthetic improvement, with an age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched normal control group for comparisons.

RESULTS

The methods showed statistically significant improvement in addressing a short columella (columellar height), short nasal bridge (nasal bridge length), de-projected nasal tip (nasal tip projection, nasal dorsum angle), poorly defined nasal tip (nasal tip angle, dome height, and panel assessment), and transversely oriented nostrils (columellar height, alar width, nostril type). Importantly, these improvements were accompanied by a low complication rate of 4%. However, upper lip deficiency over the upper lip angle and labial-columellar angle remained without significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study we described effective secondary rhinoplasty, which was composed of a bilateral reverse-U flap and septal extension graft, with acceptable outcome. The 3D anthropometric analysis and panel assessment clarified that our rhinoplasty procedure could bring the nasal morphology in these patients closer to the normal data.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

What We Learned from Performing the Inverse Malek Procedure to Repair Bilateral Cleft Lips and Palates: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background: This study reviews the surgical and functional outcomes of children diagnosed with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and treated by the same surgical team following specific surgical protocols 18 years after surgery and during the follow-up. Methods: Based on a single-center retrospective design, demographic and surgical data were gathered by the authors from international institutions. Most of the data were quantitative in nature, and descriptive statistical and non-parametric tests were employed for analysis. All children born with a bilateral cleft from 1982 to 2002 were considered. Children affected by a syndrome were excluded. Complications and speech results were the main items measured. Results: Thirty patients were selected; 73.3% were treated using the inverse Malek procedure, and 26.7% underwent a modified two-stage procedure. Seventy percent developed an oronasal fistula. An alveolar bone graft was performed in 83%, and 53.3% underwent Le Fort osteotomy. Thirty-six percent required a pharyngeal flap, with good speech results. The median number of times general anesthesia was used among all the interventions considered was 5.5 (4.25-6). Conclusions: This study presents the long-term results of using the inverse Malek procedure to treat children with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. It is shown that this is related to a high risk of developing a fistula, but has good long-term speech results.

Primary rhinoplasty in patients with bilateral cleft lip: Longitudinal results and comparison between closed and semi-open approaches

BACKGROUND

Although several studies have shown that primary rhinoplasty in patients with cleft lip provides good outcomes with limited effect on nasal growth, the surgical procedure remains to be standardized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of primary semi-open rhinoplasty with Tajima reverse-U incision, compared with that of closed rhinoplasty.

METHODS

Consecutive nonsyndromic patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (n = 52) who underwent primary semi-open rhinoplasty between 2001 and 2016 were reviewed. Patients who underwent primary closed rhinoplasty (n = 61) and control group individuals were recruited for comparison. Computer-based standardized measurements of 2D photographs and panel assessments by laypersons were collected and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

In the comparative analysis at preschool age, semi-open rhinoplasty significantly improved the typical nasal deformities, including transversely oriented wide nostrils, short columella, and de-projected nasal tip, more effectively than closed rhinoplasty. Without major drawbacks, these parameters in the semi-open group were well maintained closer to those in the control group till skeletal maturity. After primary rhinoplasty, 54% of patients in the closed group and 4% in the semi-open group underwent intermediate rhinoplasty at preschool age.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the patients who underwent primary semi-open rhinoplasty achieved long-term and persistent outcomes that were closer to the normal nasal morphology compared with the patients treated with closed rhinoplasty, while avoiding intermediate rhinoplasty during the preschool to adolescent periods.

Primary vomerine osteotomy with gingivoperiosteoplasty for bilateral cleft lip and palate patients with protrusion and/or torsion of the premaxilla

In patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) with protrusion and/or torsion of the premaxilla, achieving a favorable outcome with adequate facial and maxillary development remains challenging. In the present study, we report a retrospective cohort of patients with complete BCLP who were treated between 2017 and 2020 at a single center in Japan. We investigated the effects and complications of primary vomerine osteotomy (PVO) with gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP) following pre-surgical orthodontics (PSO) for premaxillary protrusion and/or torsion. For patients with residual premaxillary protrusion and/or torsion after PSO, PVO, and GPP were performed. The distances and angles of the premaxilla were measured on dental casts before PSO, on the day of PVO, after PVO, and on the day of palatoplasty after cheiloplasty. We further assessed postoperative complications. From a total of 36 patients with complete BCLP after PSO, seven patients underwent PVO with GPP. Proper positioning of the premaxilla was achieved in all seven patients. The distance between the anterior edge of the premaxilla and the anterior edge of the lateral segment and the length of the premaxillary-lateral segment on both sides continued to decrease over time. Loosening of GPP sutures occurred in two cases, although no major complications such as necrosis of the premaxilla or fistula formation occurred. Vomerine osteotomy with GPP before primary cheiloplasty is a potential treatment option in BCLP when the premaxilla still protrudes despite PSO or because PSO cannot be applied.

Longitudinal Morphological Changes in the Mucosal Free Margin After Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Weakness of the mucosal free margin is common in secondary cleft lip deformities. However, the incidence is rarely reported after a long-term follow-up. We evaluated the evolution of patient mucosal free margin after primary repair and until the end of growth.

Blinded retrospective study (photography and chart reviews).

Tertiary care hospital; private practice.

Forty-eight patients with unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate who underwent primary nasolabial repair between 1996 and 2004 were followed up until their end of growth marked at 18 and 16 years of age for male and female patients, respectively.

Primary nasolabial repair using a straight-line closure without a triangular flap on the vermilion was performed; if needed, a revision surgery was performed at 5 years of age (85%).

The contour of the mucosal free margin was classified into nodular, smooth, and recessed types at 1, 5, and 10 years and at the end of growth.

At 1 year of age, the nodular type was more common (58%). However, the recessed type was more common (75%) at the end of growth. The mucosal free margin continued to change after 10 years of age. At the end of growth, half of the patients with incomplete cleft experienced center weakness, and the others had cleft-side weaknesses.

Patients with incomplete clefts showed favorable results at early ages. However, two-thirds of the patients with complete and incomplete clefts showed focal weakness at the end of growth.

An ex vivo model for education and training of unilateral cleft lip surgery

BACKGROUND

Unilateral cleft lip surgery is a complex procedure, and the outcome depends highly on the surgeon's experience. Digital simulations and low-fidelity models seem inadequate for effective surgical education and training. There are only few realistic models for haptic simulation of cleft surgery, which are all based on synthetic materials that are costly and complex to produce. Hence, they are not fully available to train and educate surgical trainees. This study aims to develop an inexpensive, widely available, high-fidelity, ex vivo model of a unilateral cleft lip using a porcine snout disc.

METHODS

A foil template was manufactured combining anatomical landmarks of the porcine snout disc and the anatomical situation of a child with a unilateral cleft. This template was used to create an ex vivo model of a unilateral cleft lip from the snout disc. Millard II technique was applied on the model to proof its suitability. The individual steps of the surgical cleft closure were photo-documented and three-dimensional scans of the model were analysed digitally. Sixteen surgical trainees were instructed to create a unilateral cleft model and perform a unilateral lip plasty. Their self-assessment was evaluated by means of a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The porcine snout disc proved highly suitable to serve as a simulation model for unilateral cleft lip surgery. Millard II technique was successfully performed as we were able to perform all steps of unilateral cleft surgery, including muscle suturing. The developed foil-template is reusable on any porcine snout disc. The creation of the ex vivo model is simple and inexpensive. Self-assessment of the participants showed a strong increase in comprehension and an eagerness to use the model for surgical training.

CONCLUSIONS

A porcine snout disc ex vivo model of unilateral cleft lips was developed successfully. It shows many advantages, including a haptic close to human tissue, multiple layers, low cost, and wide and rapid availability. It is therefore very suitable for teaching and training beginners in cleft surgery and subsequently improving surgical skills and knowledge. Further research is needed to finally assess the ex vivo model's value in different stages of the curriculum of surgical residency.

Epidemiological and clinical evaluation of patients with a cleft in lower saxony Germany: a mono-center analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to provide epidemiological and clinical data on patients with orofacial clefts in Lower Saxony in Germany.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 404 patients with orofacial clefts treated surgically at the University Medical Center Goettingen from 2001 to 2019 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Prevalence of orofacial clefts in general, orofacial clefts as manifestation of a syndrome, sex distribution, and prevalence of different cleft types was evaluated and associated with the need for corrective surgery, family history, pregnancy complications, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

The prevalence of orofacial clefts for Goettingen in Lower Saxony was 1:890. 231 patients were male and 173 were female. CLP was most common (39.1%) followed by CP (34.7%), CL (14.4%), CLA (9.9%), and facial clefts (2%). The left side was more frequently affected and unilateral cleft forms occurred more often than bilateral ones. Almost 10% of the population displayed syndromic CL/P. 10.9% of all patients had a positive family history regarding CL/P, predominantly from the maternal side. Pregnancy abnormalities were found in 11.4%, most often in the form of preterm birth. Comorbidities, especially of the cardiovascular system, were found in 30.2% of the sample. 2.2% of patients treated according to the University Medical Center Goettingen protocol corrective surgery was performed in form of a velopharyngoplasty or residual hole closure.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiological and clinical profile of the study population resembled the expected distributions in Western populations. The large number of syndromic CL/P and associated comorbidities supports the need for specialized cleft centers and interdisciplinary cleft care.

An ex vivo model for education and training of bilateral cleft lip surgery

BACKGROUND

Bilateral cleft lip surgery is very challenging and requires a high level of skill, knowledge and experience. Existing high-fidelity simulation models that can be used by novice cleft surgeons to gain experience and expand their knowledge are rare and expensive. In this study, we developed a bilateral cleft lip model using porcine snout discs, which are available anywhere and inexpensive.

METHODS

Anatomic reference points of a patient with a bilateral cleft lip were superimposed with landmarks of the porcine snout disc on a foil template. The template was used to construct an ex vivo bilateral cleft lip model. Surgery was performed on the model according to Millard and the surgical steps were photodocumented analogous to two clinical cases of bilateral cleft lip surgery. The suitability of the model was further tested by twelve participants and evaluated using self-assessment questionnaires.

RESULTS

The bilateral cleft lip ex vivo model made of a porcine snout disc proved to be a suitable model with very low cost and ease of fabrication, as the template is reusable on any snout disc. The Millard procedure was successfully performed and the surgical steps of the lip plasty were simulated close to the clinical situation. Regarding the nasal reconstruction, the model lacks three-dimensionality. As a training model, it enhanced the participants comprehension of cleft surgery as well as their surgical skills. All participants rated the model as valuable for teaching and training.

CONCLUSIONS

The porcine snout discs can be used as a useful ex vivo model for bilateral cleft lip surgery with limitations in the construction of the nose, which cannot be realistically performed with the model due to anatomical differences with humans. Benefits include a realistic tissue feel, the simulation of a multi-layered lip construction, a wide and rapid availability and low cost. This allows the model to be used by novice surgeons also in low-income countries. It is therefore useful as a training model for gaining experience, but also as a model for refining, testing and evaluating surgical techniques for bilateral lip plasty.

Long-term treatment outcome of patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with cleft lip and palate have functional and esthetic impairment and typically require multiple interventions in their life. Long-term evaluation following a treatment protocol, especially for patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), is important but was rarely reported in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on all patients with complete BCLP born between 1995 and 2002 and treated at our center. Inclusion criteria were having adequate medical records and receiving continuous multidisciplinary team care at least until 20 years of age. Exclusion criteria were lack of regular follow-up and congenital syndromic abnormalities. The medical records and photos were reviewed, and facial bone development was evaluated using cephalometric analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients were included, with a mean age of 22.1 years at the final evaluation in this study. Primary one-stage cheiloplasty was performed in 91.0% of the patients, and 9.0% underwent two-stage repair with an initial adhesion cheiloplasty. All patients underwent two-flap palatoplasty at an average of 12.3 months. Surgical intervention for velopharyngeal insufficiency was required in 59.0% of patients. Revisional lip/nose surgery was performed in 31.1% during growing age and in 64.8% after skeletal maturity. Orthognathic surgery was applied in 60.7% of patients with retruded midface, of which 97.3% underwent two-jaw surgery. The average number of operations to complete the treatment was 5.9 per patient.

CONCLUSION

Patients with complete BCLP remain the most challenging group to treat among the cleft. This review revealed certain suboptimal results, and modifications have been made to the treatment protocol. Longitudinal follow-up and periodic assessment help to establish an ideal therapeutic strategy and improve overall cleft care.

Fat grafting in patients with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review

This systematic review aims to compare different fat-grafting techniques for cleft lip and palate repair. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, gray literature and reference lists of selected articles. A total of 25 articles were included, 12 on closure of palatal fistula and 13 on cleft lip repair. The rate of complete resolution of palatal fistula ranged from 88.6% to 100% in studies with no control group, whereas in comparative studies patients receiving a fat graft showed better outcomes than those not receiving a graft. Evidence suggests that fat grafting can be indicated for the primary and secondary repair of cleft palate, with good results. The use of dermis-fat grafts in lip repair was associated with gains in surface area (11.5%), vertical height (18.5%-27.11%), and lip projection (20%). Fat infiltration was associated with increased lip volume (6.5%), vermilion show (31.68% ± 24.03%), and lip projection (46.71% ± 31.3%). The available literature suggests that fat grafting is a promising autogenous option for palate and fistula repair and for improvement of lip projection and scar aesthetics in patients with cleft. However, to develop a guideline, further studies are needed to confirm whether one technique is superior to the other.

Bilateral cleft lip repair by new trending method: a case report

BACKGROUND

Bilateral cleft lip repair is one of the most difficult surgeries, and many techniques have been modified and developed to improve surgical outcomes. The current trend is toward preserving tissue as much as possible. When the reconstruction is based on the shape of the patient's own tissue, the most natural appearance is produced, and the relaxed remaining tissue can be benefitted from reducing tension and minimizing scarring.

CASE PRESENTATION

In the conventional surgical method, the rest of the prolabium is sacrificed, except for the tissue used to make the philtrum. We used all tissues for surgery and did not discard any. The tubercle of the median vermilion was used in its original form.

CONCLUSIONS

It is fundamental to restore function in cleft lip surgery. Both patients and surgeons have a desire for esthetic outcomes that go beyond function. In addition, the measure of the success of the surgery is the postoperative resemblance to normal midfacial features. Unlike the conventional method of making tubercles by collecting lateral vermilion flaps, we preserved the tissue of the prolabium. Rather than using an artificial tubercle, we were able to create a more natural shape of the upper lip using the patient's own anatomical structure. In addition, the remaining tissues of the discarded prolabium were used to make the oral mucosa, which may help to reduce tension compared to the conventional method. The modified repair method is expected to gradually become the mainstream method owing to its superior esthetic outcome and less surgical difficulty compared with traditional methods.

Presurgical Orthopedic Treatment of a 3-Year-Old Child with Unoperated Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate and Protruding Premaxilla

Unoperated patients with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCCLP), who do not receive orthopedic treatment in infancy and present with significant sagittal excess of the premaxilla, are among the most difficult patients to treat. Delay in primary reconstruction reduces the elastic characteristics of the tissues. The resulting rigidity of bony structures accompanied by the wide alveolar and palatal clefts associated with sagittal excess of the premaxilla pose a great challenge for both surgeon and orthodontist. There is no unique protocol for treatment of these conditions. This paper describes the use of orthopedic treatment in an unoperated 3-year-old male child with BCCLP and a protrusive premaxilla whose appearance and function were both severely affected. A modified Meazzini technique, as described in operated BCCLP patients with a downward-displaced premaxilla, was used. The device itself consists of the 2 independent components mutually connected by a 17 × 25 steel arch. The first is an active fan-type expander. The second consists of an acrylic cap covering the premaxilla and 3 brackets used for the steel arch application. They are connected by a rectangular steel 17 × 25 archwire. Reduction of the premaxillary sagittal excess of is carried out with an elastic chain. The use of this orthopedic appliance is a reliable and valuable presurgical treatment in the therapy of children with BCCLP and protrusive premaxilla whose orthopedic and surgical treatment have been delayed.

Modified Lip Revision Surgery for the Severe Whistle Lip Deformity in Bilateral Cleft Lip

PURPOSE

Whistle deformity is a sequela of primary surgical repair of the bilateral cleft lip that leads to a vertical tissue deficiency and a nonfunctional orbicularis oris muscle in the medial portion of the upper lip. This sequel is significantly limiting functionally and esthetically. We propose a complete labial revision with a secondary cheiloplasty of Mulliken and a submucosal inferiorly based flap in the central tubercle to increase the volume at this usually deficient area.

METHODS

We present our series of 9 patients with whistle deformity who underwent our modified technique. Width and length lip measurements were analyzed pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in the width of the philtrum (mean 18.7% and 37% measured at the columella base and Cupid's apexes, respectively), an increase in the labial length (mean 11.2%), and improvement of the shape and volume of the vermilion in its middle third. All patients reported a very good to excellent improvement in the function and shape of their lips.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition to a complete revision cheiloplasty of our inferiorly based submucosal flap technique solved in a single operation the function of the orbicularis oris and the normal labial anatomy with good functional outcomes in all cases and improved esthetic results.

Repair Sequence and Management of the Premaxilla in Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) remains a difficult surgical problem due to the severely protruding premaxillary segment, with no consensus of optimal treatment sequence in older patients. A systematic review of the literature was performed to assess the current status of BCLP repair based on age.

METHODS

A PRISMA systematic review of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was performed using a series of search terms related to BCLP. Studies were categorized based on the age of presentation, repair sequence, and technique.

RESULTS

The database search identified 381 articles. Of these, 72 manuscripts were ultimately included. The lip was repaired first in 1077 patients (86.0%), palate first in 161 patients (12.9%), and simultaneous lip and palate in 14 patients (1.1%). Patients less than 6 months old received lip repair first (n = 959, 98.6%), with complications of unaesthetic appearance (n = 86, 62.3%) and midface retrusion (n = 41, 34.1%) in younger patients and wound dehiscence (n = 8, 40%) in older patients. Primary lip repair was preceded by presurgical orthopedics (n = 760) or lip adhesion (n = 272) to reduce lip tension with nasoalveolar molding (n = 452, 62.9%) or the Latham device (n = 282, 37.1%). In older patients, the palate was repaired first or premaxillary setback (n = 222) was indicated in protruded premaxillae greater than 10 mm, but carried the risk of premaxilla mobility (n = 20, 37.7%) and midface retrusion (n = 10, 18.9%).

CONCLUSION

In younger patients, lip repair is performed first with preoperative orthopedics or lip adhesion. In older patients, the palate is more commonly repaired first compared with the lip; however, there is no difference in complication rate.

A Guide to Bilateral Cleft Lip Markings: An Anthropometric Study of the Normal Cupid's Bow

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to define the ratio of the heights of the vermilion between the peaks and trough of the Cupid's bow and hence assist in defining the point of closure on the lateral lip element to achieve a balanced Cupid's bow in bilateral lip repair based on our findings.

DESIGN

This study is a retrospective observational study of the anthropometrics of the upper lip's Cupid's bow. Three-dimensional (3D) images of toddlers between 2009 and 2016 were extracted from a normative 3D image database of toddlers at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

PATIENTS

Participants from the normative 3D image database at the age of 1 year were studied. This excluded any patients with prior trauma or surgical intervention of the nasolabial region.

INTERVENTION

Landmarks measured were right and left crista philtri (cphR and cphL), labial superius (ls), stomion (sto), right and left chelion, and labial fissure (lf).

OUTCOME

Vermilion height of the right peak, trough, and left peak of the Cupid's bow was calculated by analyzing the vertical linear distance between cphR-lf, ls-sto, and cphL-lf. The ratio between the median and paramedian heights were recorded.

RESULTS

The paramedian height of the upper lip vermilion is consistently greater than the midline height. There was no significant sexual dysmorphism between ratio of paramedian to midline height on the right (P = .538) and left (P = .410).

CONCLUSION

We describe an anthropometric observation of the vermilion relationship at the Cupid's bow and define a specific lateral lip marking for bilateral cleft lip repair based on our anthropometric findings.

Photometric Evaluation of Adult Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Treated With Nasoalveolar Molding and Primary Columella Lengthening

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the nasal shape of young adults with BCLP treated with primary surgical columella lengthening and nasoalveolar molding (NAM).

SETTING AND PATIENTS

A group of 28 young adult patients with BCLP (mean age: 19.1±1.4 years) was compared through normalized photogrammetry to a control of 28 age- and sex-matched noncleft young adults.

RESULTS

Nasal protrusion and length of the columella were not different from noncleft young adults. On the other hand, nasolabial angle, columellar width, interalar, and nasal tip width were significantly wider than the noncleft controls. Thus, 27% of the patients have requested at this time secondary correction of the excessive nasal width.

CONCLUSIONS

Both NAM and primary rhinoplasty in patients with BCLP resulted in a near normal length of the columella and nasal projection until young adulthood. Nevertheless, width of all nasal features was significantly wider than the noncleft population and required secondary nasal correction in one-third of the sample.

Determination of Ethnic Variation in Infant Nasolabial Anthropometry Using 3D Photographs: Implications for Bilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Correction

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess significant ethnic variabilities in infants' nasolabial anthropometry to motivate variations in surgical correction of a synchronous bilateral cleft lip/nasal anomaly, specifically whether a long columella is a European feature, therefore accepting a short columella and/or delayed columellar lengthening suitable for reconstruction in ethnic patients.

METHODS

Thirty-three infants without craniofacial pathology (10 African American [AA], 7 Hispanic [H], and 16 of European descent [C]), ages 3 to 8 months, presenting to the Johns Hopkins All Children's general pediatric clinic were recruited. Four separate 3D photographs (2 submental and frontal views each) were taken using the Vectra H1 handheld camera (Canfield Imaging). Eighteen linear facial distances were measured using Mirror 3D analysis (Canfield Imaging Systems). Difference between ethnicities was measured using analysis of variance with the Bonferroni/Dunn post hoc comparisons. Pearson correlation was employed for interrater reliability. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp), with statistical significance set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Nasal projection (sn-prn) and columella length (sn-c) did not differ significantly between groups (P = .9). Significant differences were seen between ethnic groups in nasal width (sbal-sbal [C-AA; P = .02]; ac-ac [C-AA; P = .00; H-AA; P = .04]; al-al [C-AA; P = .00; H-AA; P = .001]) and labial length (sn-ls [C-AA; P = .041]; sn-sto [C-AA; P = .005]; Cphs-Cphi L [C-AA; P = .013]; Cphs-Cphi R [C-AA; P = .015]). Interrater reliability was good to excellent and significantly correlated for all measures.

CONCLUSIONS

African American infants exhibited wider noses and longer lips. No difference was noted in nasal projection or columella length, indicating that these structures should be corrected during the primary cleft lip and nasal repair for all patients and should not be deferred to secondary correction.

Repair of Asymmetric Bilateral Cleft lip: 1 Stage or 2 Stage

OBJECTIVE

To verify the advantages and indications of 1-stage and 2-stage repair for asymmetric bilateral cleft lip (BCL).

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

From January 2004 to December 2016 in our department.

PATIENTS

Patients with BCL.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Over 6 months after the operation, the surgery outcomes were evaluated and graded by 2 experienced surgeons.

RESULTS

The result of surgery was evaluated using the scoring method of Mortier et al and Anastassov and Chipkov. Among 133 patients with asymmetric BCL, 61 (45.9%) had 1-stage repair and 72 (54.1%) had 2-stage repair. Sixty-eight (51.1%) patients had complete-incomplete cleft lip (CL), and those who underwent 1-stage repair showed a trend of better outcome (P = .028). Fifty (37.6%) patients with incomplete-microform CL showed no significant difference between the outcomes of 2 surgery plans (P = .253). In 15 (11.3%) patients with complete-microform CL, only one had 1-stage repair with a score of 8.5. The other 14 patients with 2-stage repair were scored 3.68 ± 1.28. Two-stage repair was preferable when the deformity degree was very different on 2 sides, as it could reduce unnecessary scar tissue and extend the nasal columella. One-stage repair could help to achieve the anatomical reduction of the orbicularis oris and a better contour of the vermilion tubercle.

CONCLUSION

One-stage repair is recommended for patients with complete-incomplete CL and incomplete-microform CL. Two-stage repair for patients with complete-microform CL is preferred in our center, but more studies are required to support this conclusion.

Superior Orbicularis Oris Muscle Activity in Children Surgically Treated for Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the electromyographic activity of the superior orbicularis oris muscle both in children surgically treated for bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCCLP) as well as in subjects without BCCLP. The study comprised 77 children aged 6.6 to 12.5 years. All the patients with clefts had previously undergone lip and palate surgery. The upper lip electromyographic (EMG) assessments were made with a DAB-Bluetooth device (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) at rest, while swallowing saliva, protruding lips and compressing lips. EMG measurements were also made when the subjects produced phonemes /p/, /b/, and /m/ with the vowel /a/. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to statistically analyze the EMG values. Significantly higher median upper lip EMG activity under working conditions such as swallowing saliva, lip compression, and production of the phoneme /p/ with the vowel /a/ was observed in patients with BCCLP compared to those without a cleft. The results of the study showed that the upper lip muscle activity increases in children with BCCLP when swallowing saliva, compressing lips and during some speech movement tasks. This may be important in the aspect of the effect of surgical lip repair on the craniofacial growth.

An Intraoperative Rescue Procedure for the Protruding Premaxilla in the Repair of Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip: Rapid Premaxillary Molding

BACKGROUND

Primary reconstruction of complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) with protruding premaxilla in one-stage surgery is challenging because of the tension on muscle repair. Such patients are also common in the developing countries. For this condition, we have applied intraoperative "rapid premaxillary molding (RPM)" technique and obtained satisfactory results.

METHODS

We reviewed the data of patients with complete BCLP with protruding premaxilla applying intraoperative RPM including both our institution and cleft missions to developing countries in the past 20 years. Selection criteria were patients receiving either no or insufficient preoperative molding presenting with significant protruding premaxilla, had consecutive follow-ups after surgery. To perform this technique, the surgeon holds the patient's face with both hands and compresses the protruding premaxilla with both thumbs. An intermittent but stable backward pressure is applied to the premaxilla until the segment is gradually flexible. Repeated compression is performed prior to tying the muscle sutures, at which time the premaxilla is retro-positioned and aligned with the lateral maxillary segments. Pre- and postoperative data were evaluated.

RESULTS

We have treated a total of 60 patients with complete BCLP with protruding premaxilla applying intraoperative RPM. All patients tolerated the operations and there were no major intra- and postoperative complications including lip dehiscence and vomer fracture. All of them had satisfactory results such as adequate muscle repair and symmetry of the lip and nostrils.

CONCLUSION

The RPM is a reliable and valuable intraoperative adjunct procedure for patients with complete BCLP presenting the protrusive premaxilla.

Lag screw fixation of the premaxilla during bilateral cleft lip repair

In synchronous primary premaxillary setback and cleft lip repair for bilateral cases with severely protruding premaxilla, stabilization of the premaxilla is mostly achieved by gingivoperiosteoplasty. This kind of repair carries risk of impairment of blood supply to the premaxilla and/or prolabium, and at the same time it cannot ensure adequate stabilization of the premaxilla postoperatively. To overcome these problems, we have developed a unique technique of fixation of the premaxilla. In this paper, we discussing this technique, its advantages, and potential complications associated with it. From 2016, 10 patients aged 4-10 months, with bilateral cleft lip and palate with premaxillary protrusion (≥10 mm) underwent premaxillary setback and cheilorhinoplasty in the same stage. Instead of gingivoperiosteoplasty, a 'lag screw' fixation technique was used to stabilize the premaxilla. The follow-up period ranged between 5 and 32 months. In all the cases, we achieved adequate stabilization of the premaxilla. None of the patients had any issue related to the vascularity of the premaxilla or prolabium. There was no impairment in the eruption process of deciduous teeth in the premaxillary segment. Overall aesthetic outcomes of the lip and nose were acceptable. This technique of premaxillary fixation with lag screw gives us the liberty to perform primary cheilorhinoplasty along with premaxillary setback in the same stage, without risking the vascularity of premaxilla and prolabium. It ensures adequate stabilization of the premaxilla, but evaluation of regular growth of the midface and, if needed, corrective orthodontic and surgical treatment in the follow-up periods are advisable.

Variation in the Desire for Cleft Revision Surgery among Children, Caregivers, and Surgeons

BACKGROUND

Although revision surgery is part of the reconstructive process for children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate, the indications for revision vary, and the extent to which surgeons and families agree on appearance is unclear. The authors sought to understand the extent to which children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate, surgeons, caregivers, and control observers agree on satisfaction with appearance and the desire for revision.

METHODS

Children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (n = 100) and their caregivers (n = 100) were surveyed regarding satisfaction with appearance using the Cleft Evaluation Profile. Surgeons (n = 10) and control observers (n = 10) rated photographs of these children using questions analogous to the Cleft Evaluation Profile. General linear model repeated measures analysis of variance were used to detect significant differences between raters, with an alpha of 0.05.

RESULTS

The children reported greater satisfaction with appearance across all domains compared with surgeons (nose, 7.77 versus 5.51, p < 0.001; lip, 7.94 versus 5.90, p < 0.001; maxilla, 8.16 versus 6.56, p < 0.001) and general observers (nose, 7.78 versus 6.00, p < 0.001; lip, 7.80 versus 6.12, p < 0.001; maxilla, 8.16 versus 7.40, p < 0.001). Children and caregivers expressed similar degrees of satisfaction with appearance of the lip (5.48 ± 1.69 versus 5.6 ± 1.49, p > 0.5) and maxilla (6.08 ± 1.1 versus 5.8 ± 1.2, p = 0.07). There was no significant relationship between children and surgeons in terms of the desire for revision surgery (p = 0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

All groups expressed differing levels of satisfaction with cleft-specific aspects of appearance. Importantly, children were more satisfied than all other groups. Care must be taken to evaluate perceptions of all stakeholders before moving forward with cleft revision surgery.

Dynamic Nasolabial Growth After Primary Surgery for Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study

PURPOSE

Bilateral complete cleft lip (BCCL) causes severe tissue deficit and usually requires multiple revisions after primary repair. In the present study, we aimed to illustrate the nasolabial changes after primary BCCL correction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present retrospective cohort study compared patients who had undergone BCCL and palate (BCCLP) and cleft palate only (CPO). All included patients had undergone surgery at the same treatment center (West China Hospital of Stomatology) from 2007 to 2012. The patients returned for follow-up surgery at 6 months and 5 years after their primary repair surgery. We retrieved the facial plaster casts of the enrolled patients and recorded the key nasolabial measurements. The outcome variables included the prolabial length (PL), peak distance, nasal width, and columellar length (CL). The data were analyzed using a general linear model for repeated measures, and the linear association was tested using SPSS. The level of testing efficiency (P value) was set at .05.

RESULTS

A total of 160 patients, 80 who had undergone BCCLP and 80 CPO controls, were included. All nasolabial measurements in the BCCLP group had increased during the 5-year follow-up period. The PL of the BCCLP group had increased more quickly than the PL of the CPO group (P = .000 < .05), but the CL had increased nearly as much (P = .270).

CONCLUSIONS

For the primary correction of bilateral cleft lip nose deformity, dissection and repositioning of the cleft lip and nose did not significantly inhibit the growth of the nasolabial region in the first 5 years after surgery. Nose deformities should not remain uncorrected after primary surgical repair. In contrast, cleft surgeons should focus on the finer adjustment of columella with less doubt regarding adverse effects.

Tissue engineering strategies combining molecular targets against inflammation and fibrosis, and umbilical cord blood stem cells to improve hampered muscle and skin regeneration following cleft repair

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is a congenital deformity that occurs in about 1 of 700 newborns, affecting the dentition, bone, skin, muscles and mucosa in the orofacial region. A cleft can give rise to problems with maxillofacial growth, dental development, speech, and eating, and can also cause hearing impairment. Surgical repair of the lip may lead to impaired regeneration of muscle and skin, fibrosis, and scar formation. This may result in hampered facial growth and dental development affecting oral function and lip and nose esthetics. Therefore, secondary surgery to correct the scar is often indicated. We will discuss the molecular and cellular pathways involved in facial and lip myogenesis, muscle anatomy in the normal and cleft lip, and complications following surgery. The aim of this review is to outline a novel molecular and cellular strategy to improve musculature and skin regeneration and to reduce scar formation following cleft repair. Orofacial clefting can be diagnosed in the fetus through prenatal ultrasound screening and allows planning for the harvesting of umbilical cord blood stem cells upon birth. Tissue engineering techniques using these cord blood stem cells and molecular targeting of inflammation and fibrosis during surgery may promote tissue regeneration. We expect that this novel strategy improves both muscle and skin regeneration, resulting in better function and esthetics after cleft repair.

Management of the Cleft Nasal Tip: An Overview of Classic Techniques and Strategies

The challenges of cleft reconstruction have been present for centuries. However, understanding of the cleft nasal tip and the evolution of techniques decidedly began in the 20th century and refinement continues into the present day. Although a multitude of technical descriptions and case series have been published, a compendium of seminal techniques, which have shaped modern thought, has not been compiled in the literature. In this review, we discuss the anatomical disturbances in the cleft nasal tip anomaly, the timing and strategy of tip correction, and the major classic techniques for management of the cleft nasal tip. In addition, we have categorized the classic techniques into concepts that they embody.

Long-Term Nasal Growth after Primary Rhinoplasty for Bilateral Cleft Lip Nose Deformity: A Three-Dimensional Photogrammetric Study with Comparative Analysis

Nasal deformity is associated with congenital cleft lip and palate. Primary rhinoplasty for reconstruction of the nasal deformity at the time of bilateral cleft lip repair is a controversial issue in cleft care due to traditional teaching concerning the potential impairment of nasal growth. This study assessed long-term nasal growth in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent primary rhinoplasty by a single surgeon between 1995 and 2002 and reached skeletal maturity (n = 39; mean: 19 ± 2 years). Normal age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched subjects (n = 52) were enrolled for comparative analyses. Three-dimensional nasal photogrammetric measurements (10 linear, 4 angular, 6 proportional, 1 surface area, and 1 volume parameter) were collected from patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate and normal subjects. Patients who underwent rhinoplasty presented with significantly (all p < 0.05) smaller nasal tip projection and nasal tip angles, but greater values for nasal dorsum length, nasal protrusion, alar width, columellar height, dome height, columellar angle, labiocolumellar angle, nasal tip height ratio, nasal index, alar width/intercanthal distance ratio, and alar width/mouth width ratio compared to normal subjects. There were no differences (all p > 0.05) in nasal height, tip/midline deviation, nasal dorsum angle, dome-to-columella ratio, columella height/alar width ratio, area surface, and volume parameters between the two groups. This study shows that primary rhinoplasty performed in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate during infancy does not result in deficiency of the nasal dimensions relative to controls.

Surgical outcomes of 14 consecutive bilateral cleft lip patients treated with a modified version of the Millard and Manchester methods

BACKGROUND

Bilateral cleft lip deformity is much more difficult to correct than unilateral cleft lip deformity. The complexity of the deformity and the sensitive relationships between the arrangement of the muscles and the characteristics of the external lip necessitate a comprehensive preoperative plan for management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repair of bilateral cleft lip using the Byrd modification of the traditional Millard and Manchester methods. A key component of this repair technique is focused on reconstruction of the central tubercle.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with mean age of 5.7 months presented with bilateral cleft lip deformity and were operated on using a modification of the Millard and Manchester techniques. Patients with a very wide cleft lip and protruded or rotated premaxilla were excluded from this study. We analyzed 30 normal children for a comparison with our patients in terms of anthropometric measurements.

RESULTS

By the end of the follow-up period (between 9 and 19 months), all our patients had obtained a full central segment with adequate white roll in the central segment and a deep gingivolabial sulcus, and we obtained nearly normal anthropometric measurements in comparison with age-matched normal children.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend this modified technique for the treatment of bilateral cleft lip deformity.

Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate, With Facial Dysplasia: Interdisciplinary Treatment and Long-Term Follow-Up

Bilateral complete clefts represent the result of an incomplete fusion with all the morphologic components present. It is well known that patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate have typical characteristics such as insufficient medial face development with an orthodontic class III tendency, flat nose and short columella with abnormal nasolabial angle, bilateral oronasal fistulas, alterations in the number and position of the lateral incisors, and agenesis or supernumerary teeth. Successfully solving these cases, results in a difficult challenge and studies showing extended follow-up are not frequent. Bilateral complete clefts, including medial facial dysplasia, are a rare condition, not only difficult to be included in any classification but also of complex solution. These patients require multiple surgical procedures throughout life, and long-term results are often still far from ideal. Due to surgical intervention and diminished intrinsic growth potential, surgical results may change from initially good into a progressively disappointing outcome. However, if the ideal timing and type of surgery are known, in combination with the intrinsic growth potential, these results could be ameliorated. A patient with complete bilateral cleft, presenting hypoplasia of philtrum and premaxilla, flat nose with rudimentary columella and septum, is reported. A description of her interdisciplinary treatment and long-term outcome with an adequate and stable result was observed. Being the intrinsic growth restriction mainly localized in the central mid-face, a protocol oriented to stimulate facial development during growth period could be essential to reduce the number of surgical procedures and prevent sequels. Early referral to a specialized center is mandatory to achieve a correct treatment and result.

Collection of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Standard Set Variables: Establishing a Baseline

Background

The International Consortium for Healthcare Outcomes Measurement recently published a consensus Standard Set of clinical and patient-centered metrics to measure outcomes for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP). This study aims to evaluate how the Standard Set compares to existing data collected to anticipate the impact that the Standard Set may have on quality and quantity of outcome data.

Methods

Extraction of the Standard Set data points was attempted retrospectively for all nonsyndromic patients with bilateral cleft lip and/or palate who underwent primary lip and/or palate repair by a single surgeon (JGM) between June 2007 and June 2014.

Results

Bilateral cleft lip repair was performed on 32 patients of which 29 also underwent palate repair. All but one of the baseline demographic and phenotypic variables were available. All perioperative variables were collected, but data quality was heterogeneous. There were no early complications. At 5 years, 29.6% of patients were lost to follow-up; however, a degree of data was available on 11 of the 12 clinical metrics for those remaining. Of patients with Veau IV cleft palate and follow-up at age 5, 1 patient (6.7%) had an oronasal fistula and 1 had velopharyngeal incompetence requiring Furlow palatoplasty (6.7%). No patient-reported data were collected for any time point.

Conclusion

Prospective collection of the International Consortium for Healthcare Outcomes Measurement Standard Set will improve consistency of clinical data and add the patient perspective currently lacking in outcome measures collected for patients with bilateral cleft.

Impact of Virtual Planning on Surgical Reposition of the Premaxilla Using an Endonasal Approach and Simultaneous Alveoloplasty

OBJECTIVE

Describe the surgical repositioning of the premaxilla using an innovative minimally invasive endonasal approach and secondary bone graft at the same time. We want to emphasize the importance of virtual surgical planning in this technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 6 patients with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate underwent a surgical repositioning of the premaxilla. Virtual surgical planning was performed in all cases. The ages varied between 8 and 12 years and all were male. Five patients were in the mixed dentition phase and 1 patient was in the definitive phase. Three of the patients had been prepared with presurgical nasoalveolar molding. The other 3 were not prepared for various reasons. All patients had primary repair of cleft lip and palate.

INTERVENTIONS

An innovative minimally invasive endonasal approach is presented that has allowed a safe 3-D reposition of the premaxilla in patients with bilateral cleft palate. A simultaneous secondary alveoloplasty with the use of absorbable osteosynthesis is a good choice to achieve symmetry and stability.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual surgical planning is an exceptional instrument to make an appropriate presurgical selection of the patients in which combine the 2 procedures.

Fascial Graft Repair of Wide Bilateral Cleft Lip Deformity

Wide bilateral cleft lip deformity reconstruction represents a special difficulty as it affects the lip, nose, and maxillary segments making single-stage reconstruction sometimes unobtainable. Many surgical and nonsurgical techniques have been prescribed to facilitate the definitive repair. Although some of these techniques proved to be useful, they have their inherent limitations and add another treatment step with all its possible complications and costs. The authors present a new method to address muscle layer repair in 1-stage procedure. It entails using fascial graft obtained from the temporalis muscle fascia or fascia lata, to reconstruct orbicularis oris lip muscle. Seven patients of wide bilateral cleft lip deformity (mean 17 mm) with a mean age of 4.4 months were subjected to single-stage lip reconstruction. After measuring the defect between both lateral muscle segments in front of the premaxilla intraoperatively ensuring that direct muscle repair could not be obtained, a fascial graft was harvested and sutured to both muscle edges. The authors found that, regardless the defect size or premaxilla protrusion, all wide clefts could be reconstructed satisfactorily in 1 stage procedure. No serious postoperative complications have been encountered in the lip or donor areas. Early follow-up reporting of the patients revealed stable repair. However more follow-up is still needed to assess late sequelae. In conclusion, fascial graft muscle repair of wide bilateral cleft lip deformity enables early 1-stage lip reconstruction without tension. The added donor morbidity is minimal and well tolerated.

Synchronous Premaxillary Osteotomy with Primary Cheiloplasty for BCLP Patients with Protrusion of the Premaxillae

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

In bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients with protrusion and/or torsion of the premaxillae, it is difficult to achieve a good outcome. We have developed a series of procedures of premaxillary osteotomy with primary cheiloplasty for BCLP patients who did not respond well to presurgical orthodontics (PSO).

Methods:

A total of 27 BCLP patients with protrusion and/or torsion of the premaxillae underwent PSO. For 3 BCLP patients in whom the protruded premaxillae could not be returned to a good position, a primary premaxillary osteotomy and gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP) with cheiloplasty were performed simultaneously. Subsequently, Furlow palatoplasty was performed by one and a half years of age. Maxillary growth was evaluated by dental occlusion at 4 years of age.

Results:

A premaxillary osteotomy and GPP with cheiloplasty were performed at 6 months. The patients’ facial structures improved, their premaxillae were positioned more superiorly, and normal inclination of the incisors was achieved. They had edge-to-edge occlusions or cross bites at 4 years of age.

Conclusions:

As advantages, the patients’ facial structures improved, and the alveolar bones were formed by GPP. As a disadvantage, premaxillary necrosis might occur because of poor blood circulation. It is important to secure the following 2 blood supplies: from the periosteum and soft-tissue of the anterior premaxillae and from the periosteum and mucosa of the nasal septum. Synchronous premaxillary osteotomy and GPP with primary cheiloplasty are appropriate when the premaxillae cannot be properly repositioned by PSO or PSO cannot be done.

Intraoral Dissection of the Mimetic Muscles: Application to Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Mimetic muscles contract and pull the overlying skin toward the muscle’s bony attachment. Numerous books and articles have shown the mimetic muscles via cadaveric dissection. However, for dentistry and oral surgery, the mimetic muscles have not been detailed from intraoral dissection. Recently, several papers have addressed various mimetic muscles in relation to intraoral dissection. However, to our knowledge, there has been no overview of these muscles beneath the oral mucosa. Here, we review the literature concerning the mimetic muscles as revealed during intraoral dissection, create novel illustrations, and discuss the relationship of these muscles with general dentistry and oral surgery. The mimetic muscles, which constitute the surface of the oral mucosa, the relationship of the labial and buccal frenulum and mimetic muscles, the relationship of the mucogingival junction and mimetic muscles, and other surgical procedures are discussed. A better understanding of the mimetic muscles from an intraoral perspective is important for those performing oral surgery and dentistry.

Does a Premaxillary Setback and Lip Adhesion Have a Negative Impact on Lip Outcome in Bilateral Cleft Patients?

BACKGROUND

The early premaxillary setback and lip adhesion remains as a controversial maneuver in the treatment of bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. This study aimed to assess extent of preoperative deformity and lip outcomes during the first year after surgery in bilateral cleft patients who underwent premaxillary setback and lip adhesion and to compare to those with primary lip repair.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted of 16 nonsyndromic consecutive bilateral complete cleft lip patients (with and without Simonart band), who underwent primary cleft lip repair. Patients were allocated in group 1 without premaxillary setback and group 2 with premaxillary setback and lip adhesion. Preoperative and postoperative linear measurements were used for intergroup and intragroup comparisons.

RESULTS

Cutaneous lip height of patients in group 2 significantly (P < 0.05) improved after combined premaxillary setback and lip adhesion and primary cleft lip repair. There were no significant (all P > 0.05) differences in intragroup 1 comparisons, and in intergroup comparisons.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral cleft patients with a protruded and deviated premaxilla over 10 mm discrepancy of the lateral maxillary achieved noninferior lip symmetry 1 year postoperatively compared with patients with less severe original deformity.

Cleft Lip Repair, Nasoalveolar Molding, and Primary Cleft Rhinoplasty

Cleft lip and palate are the fourth most common congenital birth defect. Management requires multidisciplinary care owing to the complexity of these clefts on midface growth, dentition, Eustachian tube function, and lip and nasal cosmesis. Repair requires planning, but can be performed systematically to reduce variability of outcomes. The use of primary rhinoplasty at the time of cleft lip repair can improve nose symmetry and reduce nasal deformity. Use of nasoalveolar molding ranging from lip taping to the use of preoperative infant orthopedics has played an important role in improving functional and cosmetic results of cleft lip repair.

Health-Related Quality of Life and the Desire for Revision Surgery Among Children With Cleft Lip and Palate

PURPOSE

Children with cleft lip with or without palate (CLCP) require multiple reconstructive procedures, however, little is known about their desire for surgical revision. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the desire for revision.

METHODS

The authors surveyed children with CLCP (n = 71) and their caregivers regarding general and cleft-specific HRQOL and the desire for revision surgery. The authors used logistic regression models to evaluate the relationship between HRQOL and the desire for revision stratified by age, and determined the level of agreement between caregivers and children.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 54.9% of children desired revision, primarily of the nose (n = 23), lip (n = 20), and dentoalveolar structures (n = 19). Children 11 years or older were more likely to desire revision than younger children (OR 3.39, 95% CI [1.19, 9.67], P <0.05). Children who reported poorer HRQOL with respect to appearance (OR 2.31, 95% CI [1.25-4.29], P = 0.008), social development (OR 0.91, 95% CI [0.84-0.99], P = 0.02), and communication (OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.89-0.99], P = 0.02) were significantly more likely to desire revision than children who reported more positive HRQOL. Caregivers' and children's desires for revision were only modestly correlated (r = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with CLCP who report poorer HRQOL are more likely to desire revision than children with higher HRQOL; these differences are further magnified among older children. Given the modest correlation between patient and caregiver goals for revision, it is important to evaluate both perspectives when considering revision surgery.

Premaxillary Repositioning in the Severe Form of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Severe forms of bilateral cleft lip and palate remain a challenging issue. Although nasoalveolar molding dramatically improves overall treatment success, the position of the premaxilla often remains dislocated. The authors attempted to relocate the malpositioned premaxilla into the correct position to obtain the correct three-dimensional (3D) maxillary arch structure and growth. Eight patients with severe bilateral cleft lip and palate were treated with premaxillary osteotomy for premaxilla repositioning. The position of the premaxilla was measured directly using cephalometry. Two raters including orthodontists evaluated the 3D (anteroposterior, transverse, and sagittal) outcomes. Regarding the long-term effects of premaxillary repositioning on midfacial growth, 3D computed tomography scan data were used, including the measurement of the SNA, SNB, and ANB angles according to the time period (T0: preoperative; T1: immediate postoperative; T2: long-term postoperative). All bilateral cleft lips and palates were satisfactorily repaired without any complications, including any premaxillary vascular compromise, nonunion, and occlusal instability. The average visual analog scale scores (0-5) of the anteroposterior, vertical, and transverse dimensions were 3.9, 3.7, and 3.2, respectively. Regarding the effect of premaxillary repositioning on midfacial hypoplasia, the change in the ANB between T1 and T2 was not significant, implying that premaxillary repositioning did not affect the long-term harmony between the maxilla and mandible (ANB of T2-T1: P = 0.1016) based on interim growth data at the time of follow-up and study completion. Premaxillary repositioning effectively corrected the malpositioned premaxilla and repaired the accompanying wide alveolar cleft, achieving successful restoration of maxillary arch coordination. In addition, premaxillary osteotomy after 8 years of age does not seem to cause significant maxillary retrusion.

Secondary Cleft Lip Reconstruction and the Use of Pedicled, Deepithelialized Scar Tissue

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

The optimal time to create symmetry in a cleft lip is during primary repair; a secondary effort later is more difficult due to potential scarring and possible tissue deficiency of the repaired cleft lip. A plethora of methods for secondary correction have been described that have the goal of constructing the philtral column, ameliorating bad scar results, and augmenting lip volume, for example. Nevertheless, there is no single procedure that yields completely satisfactory results. In addition, the appropriate timing for secondary surgical corrections of the cleft lip is still under debate.

Methods:

We present a new technique for secondary lip reconstruction of unilateral and bilateral cleft patients using pedicled, de-epithelialized cleft scar tissue as an autologous graft to obtain sustainable lip volume. Our results were evaluated by physicians and patient-parent satisfaction surveys.

Results:

The esthetic outcomes of 29 patients were assessed using a patient satisfaction questionnaire and a physician survey based on the preoperative and postoperative clinical images. The success of the procedure was evaluated using a 5-point scale. The total scores of both the physician and patient assessments were high, although no correlation was found between the scores.

Conclusions:

Cleft lip reconstruction using pedicled, deepithelialized scar tissue leads to excellent physician and patient satisfaction scores; this technique can be executed at any patient age and as a secondary repair for any given primary type of cleft disorder.