Challenges in the Successful Reconstruction of Cleft Lip and Palate: Managing the Nasomaxillary Deformity in Adolescence

Abstract

The surgical techniques and execution of primary cleft lip and palate repair are no longer the greatest challenge to achieving successful rehabilitation for those born with facial clefting (i.e., bilateral and unilateral cleft lip and palate). Despite a surgeon's best efforts, when cleft palate repair is carried out during infancy, by the mixed dentition, a majority will demonstrate nasomaxillary deficiency. The cleft team's commitment to a family under their care is to ensure that the newborn reaches adulthood reconstructed without need for special regard to their original birth malformation. Guiding principles are provided for the accurate diagnosis and reliable reconstruction of the bilateral and unilateral cleft lip and palate adolescent/adult who presents with nasomaxillary deficiency and any residual oronasal fistula, bony defects, cleft dental gap(s), nasal obstructions, and associated facial dysmorphology. Successful orthognathic surgery provides a stable foundation on which any remaining soft-tissue cleft lip or cleft nasal deformities can be accurately assessed and then reconstructed.