Nasal Elevation: A Case Report of a New Approach in Orthopedic Treatment of Infants Suffering from Cleft Lip-Palate

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of cleft lip and palate is usually achieved by intraoral molding plates. However, this method requires an intraoral impression, which is difficult to perform in infants, and uses plates that can increase the risk of injury to the oral tissue. Here, we introduce a simpler approach, which makes the treatment less costly, reduces the risk of injury, and is easier for parents and caregivers to manage. Case Presentation: Here, we present a case that a neonate before lip surgery was treated by the nasal elevator device and the tapes for three months. We measured the width of the cleft, anterior width, and arch length on the maxillary casts. Columella deviation angle, nostril width and height, and soft tissue cleft ratio were measured on photographs. After NAM, the cleft width was reduced and the nasal architecture was improved. Conclusions: NAM, with nasal elevation, considerably reduced the cleft width and the nasal architecture was improved by this technique.