Autologous alveolar bone graft integration based on the Bergland scale in patients with primary lip and palate cleft: Experience in a third level hospital in Mexico City

Abstract

Introduction: Alveolar bone graft surgery is of crucial importance in the cleft lip and palate patient. Adequate integration of the bone promotes dentition and esthetic of the face. The aim of this study is to evaluate the integration of the bone graft in patients with primary palate cleft. Patients and Methods: We made a retrospective analysis of medical records and plain X-ray films of 37 patients undergoing bone graft surgery in a tertiary care center. To assess the integration rate, we used the Bergland scale. Integration of alveolar bone graft evaluated with orthopantomography and relation between sex and the type of alveolar cleft surgery in the bone integration. Results: About 65% of the patients in our series were male (24). There was no statistical difference between the age, sex, and diagnosis. Mean age of the patients was 10.2 years. Successful integration (Bergland scale I and II) was achieved in 49% of the patients (Grade I: 30% and Grade II: 19%). Unfavorable integration (Bergland scale III and IV) was demonstrated in 51% of the patients, (Grade III: 43% and Grade IV: 8%). We found no difference between the integration rate and the type of alveolar graft surgery (primary, conventional secondary, and late secondary). Conclusions: Using the Bergland scale, we demonstrated 49% successful integration of the alveolar bone analyzed by two experts. Age has no impact on the integration rates in these groups of patients.