Analysis of nasal and labial deformities in cleft lip, alveolus and palate patients by a new rating scale: preliminary report

Abstract

Introduction: In this study the nasal deformities in patients with cleft lip, alveolus and palate (CLAP) were analysed and the relevant role of the perinasal-perioral muscular balance, and the inborn dislocation of the alar cartilages is presented. Patients and methods: 50 CLAP patients were analysed in whom 29 primary cheiloplasties, 12 lip revisions and 9 rhinoplasties were performed. The lip repair was done by a modification of Millard's technique, the nose by either a closed or open-sky rhinoplasty. The severity of the cleft appearance was evaluated pre- and postoperatively, according to a pre-agreed visual rating scale. There were 4 degrees of severity of the deformity preoperatively (mild, moderate, severe and very severe), and postoperatively 5 categories of outcome (excellent, very good, good, satisfactory and poor) depending on the scores obtained by summing up the points corresponding to different types of deformity. This scale is closely related to the American Cleft Palate classification of clefts. Results: 17 excellent, 4 very good, 2 good, 5 satisfactory and 1 poor result were obtained in the group of primary cheiloplasty. Eight excellent, 4 very good results were obtained by the lip revisions. Seven excellent and 2 satisfactory results were obtained following rhinoplasty. Conclusions: During the primary lip repair, it is important to correct the abnormal position of ala nasi, the nasal floor and the base of the columella. When correct insertion of m. transversus nasi to the nasal spine is achieved and a good repair of m. orbicularis oris, symmetry of the alae and normal growth of lip and columella was obtained even in most severe bilateral cases. In cases of diastasis of the orbicularis and transversus nasi muscles, in combination with other soft tissue deformities or scars, a secondary musculo-periosteal revision is recommended. The defect of the soft tissue triangle of the nose is best corrected via an open rhinoplasty.