Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this report is to compare the outcome of unilateral alveolar cleft reconstruction (ACR) in patients aged 6 - 8 years versus older more comprehending patients aged 9 - 12 years. Materials and Methods: A chart review (from March 2006 to June 2010) was conducted of patients who had alveolar cleft reconstruction using anterior iliac crest bone graft. All the cases included are non syndromic healthy patients whom had unilateral alveolar cleft and were operated for the first time. A total of 49 healthy patients were included in the study. Twenty-four had their surgery between the age of 6 and 8 (Group A), and twenty-five had theirs between 9 and 12 (Group B). The postoperative recovery and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: In group A, 16% (n = 4) showed minimal wound dehiscence while 8% (n = 2) had a minor wound infection due to food particles wedged in the wound. In Group B, 20% (n = 5) of the patients presented with minimal wound dehiscence, while 12% (n = 3) had minor wound infection due to food particles wedged in the wound. No significant difference was found between the two groups using Fisher’s exact test, two-tailed p-value >0.05. Conclusion: Age factor was not found to be a factor contributing to ACR complication rate.
Highlights
Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital defects
The purpose of this report is to compare the outcome of unilateral alveolar cleft reconstruction (ACR) in patients aged 6 - 8 years versus older more comprehending patients aged 9 - 12 years
Autogenous bone graft is considered to be the gold standard for alveolar cleft reconstruction (ACR), and usually takes place between the age of 6 and 12
Summary
Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital defects. Cleft lip with or without cleft palate has a male predilection, and an incidence of 1:700 live births. Autogenous bone graft is considered to be the gold standard for alveolar cleft reconstruction (ACR), and usually takes place between the age of 6 and 12. It is still controversial whether it is preferable to perform the ACR surgery at early mixed dentition rather than at late mixed dentition, while the major factor that control the procedure timing is the dental age rather that the chronological [2,3,4]. Treatment of cleft lip and palate patients is based on multidisciplinary team approach, that include the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) unit, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Plastic Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology, Speech therapy, Audiology, and the coordination team. Cooperation of the OMFS, Orthodontics, and the Pediatric Dentistry unit is essential in achieving proper ACR, dental alignment, optimal occlusion, dental implant therapy, facial growth follow up, and orthognathics assessment and treatment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
