Alveolar Cleft Research Articles

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the effect of alveolar cleft bone graft on the maxillofacial biomechanical stabilities of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate

BackgroundThe objective is to clarify the effect of alveolar cleft bone graft on maxillofacial biomechanical stabilities, the key areas when bone grafting and in which should be supplemented with bone graft once bone resorption occurred in UCCLP (unilateral complete cleft lip and palate).MethodsMaxillofacial CAD (computer aided design) models of non-bone graft and full maxilla cleft, full alveolar cleft bone graft, bone graft in other sites of the alveolar cleft were acquired by processing the UCCLP maxillofacial CT data in three-dimensional modeling software. The maxillofacial bone EQV (equivalent) stresses and bone suture EQV strains under occlusal states were obtained in the finite element analysis software.ResultsUnder corresponding occlusal states, the EQV stresses of maxilla, pterygoid process of sphenoid bone on the corresponding side and anterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side were higher than other maxillofacial bones, the EQV strains of nasomaxillary, zygomaticomaxillary and pterygomaxillary suture on the corresponding side were higher than other maxillofacial bone sutures. The mean EQV strains of nasal raphe, the maximum EQV stresses of posterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side, the mean and maximum EQV strains of nasomaxillary suture on the non-cleft side in full alveolar cleft bone graft model were all significantly lower than those in non-bone graft model. The mean EQV stresses of bilateral anterior alveolar arches, the maximum EQV stresses of maxilla and its alveolar arch on the cleft side in the model with bone graft in lower 1/3 of the alveolar cleft were significantly higher than those in full alveolar cleft bone graft model.ConclusionsFor UCCLP, bilateral maxillae, pterygoid processes of sphenoid bones and bilateral nasomaxillary, zygomaticomaxillary, pterygomaxillary sutures, anterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side are the main occlusal load-bearing structures before and after alveolar cleft bone graft. Alveolar cleft bone graft mainly affects biomechanical stabilities of nasal raphe and posterior alveolar arch, nasomaxillary suture on the non-cleft side. The areas near nasal floor and in the middle of the alveolar cleft are the key sites when bone grafting, and should be supplemented with bone graft when the bone resorbed in these areas.

Development of root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement after cleft repair using different grafting materials in rats

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of three grafting materials for cleft repair on orthodontic tooth movement in rats.Materials and methodsArtificial alveolar clefts were created in 21 Wistar rats and were repaired 4 weeks later using autografts, human xenografts and synthetic bone substitute (beta-tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite [β-TCP/HA]). A further 4 weeks later, the first molar was moved into the reconstructed maxilla. Microfocus computed tomography (μCT) was performed six times (T0–T5) to assess the tooth movement and root resorption. After 8 weeks, the affected reconstructed jaw was resected for histopathological investigation.ResultsTotal distances reached ranged from 0.82 ± 0.72 mm (β-TCP/HA) to 0.67 ± 0.27 mm (autograft). The resorption was particularly determined at the mesiobuccal root. Descriptive tooth movement slowed and root resorption increased slightly. However, neither the radiological changes during tooth movement (µCT T1 vs. µCT T5: autograft 1.85 ± 0.39 mm3 vs. 2.38 ± 0.35 mm3, p = 0.30; human xenograft 1.75 ± 0.45 mm3 vs. 2.17 ± 0.26 mm3, p = 0.54; β-TCP/HA: 1.52 ± 0.42 mm3 vs. 1.88 ± 0.41 mm3, p = 0.60) nor the histological differences after tooth movement (human xenograft: 0.078 ± 0.05 mm2; β-TCP/HA: 0.067 ± 0.049 mm2; autograft: 0.048 ± 0.015 mm2) were statistically significant.ConclusionThe autografts, human xenografts or synthetic bone substitute used for cleft repair seem to have a similar effect on the subsequent orthodontic tooth movement and the associated root resorptions.Clinical relevanceDevelopment of root resorptions seems to have a secondary role in choosing a suitable grafting material for cleft repair.

Does absence of maxillary lateral incisor affect the status of maxillary canine before and after secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with unilateral alveolar cleft?

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate whether absence of maxillary lateral incisor (MXLI) would affect the status of maxillary canine (MXC) before and after secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA) and unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Materials and Methods 47 male patients with UCLA and UCLP, whose Bergland indices were type I or II after SABG, were divided into the MXLI-absence (n = 26) and MXLI-presence groups (n = 21). Using panoramic radiographs, the position, angulation, and development status of MXC on the cleft side, and the cleft width before SABG (T1) were evaluated. After full eruption of the permanent dentition (T2), the root length, root shape, and frequency of forced eruption of MXC on the cleft side were investigated. Then, statistical analysis was performed. Results Compared to the MXLI-presence group, the MXLI-absence group showed higher frequencies of mesial angulation of MXC at T1 (criteria: >25°; 46.2% vs 14.3%, P < .05) and dilaceration of MXC at T2 (26.9% vs 4.8%, P < .001). MXC on the cleft side showed positive correlations between horizontal position at T1 and forced eruption at T2, and between vertical position and mesial angulation at T1 and dilaceration at T2 (all P < .01). Conclusions In patients with UCLA and UCLP whose SABG outcome was successful, absence of MXLI on the cleft side increased only the frequencies of mesial angulation of MXC at T1 and dilaceration of MXC at T2, not frequency of forced eruption at T2.

Predictive factors for secondary alveolar bone graft failure in patients with cleft alveolus.

This single-centre retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) and identify the factors associated with failure. Individuals born with alveolar cleft with or without cleft palate who had SABG consecutively between 2004-2006 and 2011-2013 were enrolled in this study. After the exclusion of 20 cases due to poor quality radiographs, 115 patients (50 girls and 65 boys) who had undergone 131 SABG procedures were included. According to a modification of the Bergland Scale (mBS), the alveolar bone level was assessed using occlusal films obtained 3 months after SABG. Data on factors plausible for SABG failure were collected from patient records, photographs, cast models, and presurgical occlusal radiographs. The Mantel Haenszel Chi-Square test was used to test the possible impact of these factors on the mBS scores. A total failure (mBS score of 4) was observed in 9% of the cases. The alveolar bone level correlated with cleft laterality (P= 0.039), alveolar cleft extension (P= 0.033), age at SABG (P= 0.007), root developmental stage (P= 0.021), and oral hygiene (P= 0.007). Secondary alveolar bone grafting failure was correlated with a bilateral alveolar cleft, absence of an initial partial alveolar bridge, higher age, increased root developmental stage, and poor oral hygiene. Efforts to achieve optimal oral hygiene are recommended to improve outcomes, particularly when SABG is performed in individuals with a bilateral cleft, increased alveolar cleft extension, or at higher ages.

Biomechanical consequences of alveolar cleft defect

Cleft palate is a common birth defect, requiring interventions that must be timed according to maxillary growth and patients often require multiple procedures to repair an alveolar cleft defect. Mechanical variables, such as pre‐surgical defect shape and size, have been suggested to affect the success of surgical repair, but the biomechanical consequences of these variables are not well understood. We hypothesize that mechanical performance of bony craniofacial structures will vary with cleft morphology.3D surface models of alveolar cleft defects were created from cone‐bean (CB) CT scans of adolescent and young adult patients (n=36; IRB: 201601711). Surface semilandmarks were used to conduct a cluster analysis, identifying common axes of variation which broadly differentiated between defects that are mediolaterally wider from those that are superoinferiorly taller.The centroid cleft defect shape from Cluster I was selected for preliminary biomechanical analysis. To isolate the mechanical effects of a defect of this shape/size, we used a previously published human cranial finite element model (FEM) as a baseline for model construction and comparison of performance. Patient CBCT was scaled and registered to the FEM and used to reconstruct the defect in the maxilla of the baseline model. Identical boundary conditions (material properties, muscle forces and joint and bite constraints) were applied to the cleft and non‐cleft FE models, to simulate biting on different teeth.Our results reveal notable and unexpected differences in deformation and strain regimes of the cleft and non‐cleft models. Although both models show characteristic regions of elevated strain on the biting‐side, the cleft‐model experiences a marked reduction (50‐90%) in strain on the balancing (non‐biting) side, due to the cleft disrupting the transmission of internal forces across the maxilla and palate from the biting to the balancing side. Importantly, regions that experience diffuse low‐level shear strains in our baseline model drop to nearly undetectable levels in the cleft model.We conclude that it is possible that the reduction of strain below this critical threshold could impede osteogenic mechanical signaling. This has important clinical implications for alveolar cleft defect repair and the development of novel scaffold‐based methods that both survive in vivo and restore functional orofacial load paths.

Cone-beam computed tomographic comparison of chin symphysis bone particles and allograft versus iliac crest bone graft alone for reconstruction of alveolar bone defects in cleft patients.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare morbidities and duration of surgery, as well as bone formation in alveolar defects reconstructed with symphysis bone combined with allograft and iliac crest bone graft in patients with cleft palate.Patients and Methods This randomized clinical trial was performed with 22 patients with unilateral alveolar cleft with a follow-up period of 12 months. In 12 patients, alveolar defects were reconstructed with chin bone graft plus allograft (Group A), while for the other 10 patients, iliac bone crest was used as donor site (Group B). Duration of surgery as well as occurrence of morbidities and complications were recorded. In addition, cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans were performed before surgery and 12 months after surgical procedures in order to compare bone formation between the two groups.ResultsPostoperative CBCT demonstrated a mean bone fill percentage of 76.9% of the alveolar defect in Group A, compared with 77.0% in Group B. Paresthesia in the lower lip or chin did not occur in any patients of Group A. The mean duration of the surgical process was significantly shorter for Group A (40 minutes vs 76 minutes, P<0.001). In addition, patients in Group A regained normal gait faster than patients in Group B (1 day vs 9.5 days).ConclusionMandibular symphysis bone graft in combination with allograft results in favorable outcomes in patients with unilateral alveolar clefts.

Racial Disparities in the Timing of Alveolar Bone Grafting.

Standard bone grafting between ages 6 and 12 has become the preferred treatment of choice for alveolar clefts. Given the importance of surgical timing in complete cleft palate repairs, it is important to identify any populations at-risk for delayed alveolar bone grafting. The purpose of this study is to identify whether a racial disparity is present nationally in the timing of alveolar bone grafting. Retrospective analysis Setting: Hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). Inclusion criteria involved patients who underwent alveolar bone grafting identified by current procedure terminology (CPT) code 42210 between years 2012 and 2019. Patients were stratified by age at time of operation based on the following parameters: early bone grafting (before 6 years of age), standard bone grafting (between 6 and 12 years of age), and late bone grafting (after 12 years of age). Racial and ethnic differences in the age of patients at the time of alveolar bone grafting. Overall, 20.28% of the cohort received alveolar bone graft after 12 years of age. African American (29.33%) and Hispanic (24.42%) patients received late alveolar bone grafting more frequently than other racial and ethnic groups ( P &lt; .001). Racial and ethnic disparities are present in the frequency at which patients receive late alveolar bone grafting for complete cleft palates. Given the suboptimal surgical results of late compared to standard alveolar bone grafting it is important to further investigate the driving factors of these disparities.

Secondary bone grafting for alveolar clefts: surgical timing, graft materials, and evaluation methods.

Alveolar cleft belongs to the spectrum of cleft lip and/or palate, affecting 75% of cleft lip/palate patients. The goals of alveolar cleft treatment are stabilizing the maxillary arch, separating the nasal and oral cavities, and providing bony support for both erupting teeth and the nasal base via the piriform aperture. Secondary alveolar bone grafting is a well-established treatment option for alveolar cleft. Secondary alveolar bone grafting is performed during the period of mixed dentition using autologous bone from various donor sites. There are several issues relevant to maximizing the success of secondary alveolar bone grafting, including the surgical timing, graft material, and surgical technique. In this study, we reviewed issues related to surgical timing, graft materials, and evaluation methods in secondary alveolar bone grafting.

Customized reconstruction of alveolar cleft by high mechanically stable bioactive ceramic scaffolds fabricated by digital light processing

Due to the personalized large defect and bone absorption of the alveolar cleft, its regeneration is still a great challenge. Conventional autologous bone repair leads to donor site adverse reactions and then bioactive materials with stable mechanical properties, suitable degradation rates, good osteogenic ability are required. In this study, the α-tricalcium phosphate (doping with and without 6% strontium; α-TCP-Sr6, α-TCP) bioceramic scaffolds with high-precision pore structure were developed to repair the alveolar cleft, and the physicochemical properties and bone repair performances were systematically compared with the pure β phase of tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramic scaffolds.It was shown that Sr dopant could adjust the bio-dissolution of α-TCP scaffolds, and contributed to excellent mechanical stability. As for the osteogenic capability in the alveolar cleft of rabbits, the α-phase TCP scaffolds both exhibited appreciable new bone ingrowth compared to the β-TCP scaffolds.However, bone malformation and fibrous tissue invasion occurred in the control group (without filling scaffolds). This study suggests that the Sr dopant may adjust the biodegradation and mechanical stability of α-TCP, and such biodegradable Ca-phosphate bioceramics scaffolds prepared by digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing technique demonstrate significance in promoting the reconstruction of the alveolar cleft.

Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Unilateral and Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate: A Single-Institution Outcomes Evaluation Using Three-Dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Secondary alveolar bone grafting of autologous bone from the iliac crest is a widely accepted modality for repair of residual alveolar cleft in patients with mixed dentition with previously repaired complete cleft lip and palate. There remains debate regarding surgical timing and preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative management of these cases. This retrospective study reviewed patient demographic information in addition to preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative course to evaluate how patient and practice factors impact graft outcomes as assessed by three-dimensional cone beam computed tomographic evaluation at the 6-month postoperative visit. On univariate analysis, age at operation older than 9 years, history of oronasal fistula, history of cleft lip or palate revision, and history of international adoption were all found to significantly increase likelihood of graft failure (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, age older than 9 years was found to be the single most significant predictor of graft failure (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in graft outcomes between patients with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate, and no single variable was found to significantly correlate to increased complication rates. The graft success rate overall of the authors' practice was 86.2 percent, with a complication rate of 7.7 percent. Secondary alveolar bone grafting is an integral part of the cleft lip and palate surgical treatment series; this study identified several outcome predictors for both graft failure and adverse events, the most significant of which was age at operation. Although the mixed dentition phase often extends to 12 years of age, it is recommended that bone grafting be performed before 9 years of age to optimize outcomes. Risk, III.

Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Step-by-Step Video Series.

Secondary alveolar bone grafting is one of the key surgical procedures performed to restore dental arch continuity and facilitate tooth eruption in patients with cleft lip and palate. Harvest of cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest has become the gold standard; however. there is no consensus regarding the ideal technique. An optimal bone harvest technique must be aimed at producing minimal donor-site morbidity and patient discomfort. The success of the bone grafting procedure depends largely on the surgical technique. To restore cleft alveolar defects, one must be able to conceptualize the different underlying aspects of the problem to perform an effective surgical repair. It is important for surgeons-in-service to adopt newer techniques that significantly enhance the overall outcome. This article describes two techniques of iliac bone harvest and the principles involved in execution of the alveolar bone grafting procedure. The accompanying four-part video series depicts the bone harvest, flap design, dissection of the recipient cleft alveolus, and bone grafting in a step-by-step manner.

Effect of a tooth-borne inter-dental distractor on reduction of width of alveolar clefts

Effect of a tooth-borne inter-dental distractor on reduction of width of alveolar clefts

The Clinical Use of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Secondary Alveolar Cleft

The Clinical Use of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Secondary Alveolar Cleft

Iliac Crest Bone Graft Harvest for Alveolar Cleft Repair: A Systematic Review Comparing Minimally Invasive Trephine and Conventional Open Techniques.

Background: In the course of developing a standardized pathway for alveolar cleft repair, we conducted a systematic review comparing minimally invasive trephine with conventional open technique for iliac crest bone graft harvest in a pediatric population. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of studies comparing open with minimally invasive trephine techniques in pediatric populations undergoing alveolar cleft repair. Exclusion criteria included reviews, case series, editorials, abstracts, and those with adult-only populations. Data were compiled with outcome variables selected a priori. Results: Of 422 manuscripts screened, five met criteria. These comprised 257 patients (116 open, 141 trephine). Average age was 11 years. Patients undergoing trephine harvest had reduced length of stay (1.0-5.0 days trephine vs 1.25-5.4 days open), time to unassisted ambulation (16-46 hours vs 20-67 hours open), and less postoperative narcotic use (0.31 mg/kg vs 1.64 mg/kg IV morphine). Volume of cancellous bone was reported as 2.53 mL for open versus 1.22 mL for trephine in one study, and trephine graft was supplemented with demineralized bone in 54% of cases in another study. The use of anesthetic adjuncts was inconsistent but had a significant effect on postoperative pain and ambulation. Conclusions: Compared to open techniques, the minimally invasive trephine bone graft harvest is associated with a shorter time to discharge, slightly lower infection rates, and reduced opioid use. The possible benefits of trephine harvest must however be balanced against the risk of insufficient graft harvest. Finally, the choice of perioperative analgesic adjuncts significantly impacts patient outcomes regardless of the technique employed.

Simental Irkı Bir Buzağıda Şilognatopalatoşizi Olgusu: Nadir Bir Olgu

The subject of this study was a 7-day-old female Simmental calf brought to Firat University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital Surgery Clinic with the complaint of cleft in the upper lip and palate. In the clinical examination, it was determined that the calf had respiratory difficulties and the nostrils were not formed normally. The calf was diagnosed with cheilognathopalatoschisis. Palatoplasty and reconstructive surgery were performed on the calf for the treatment of the rarely encountered case. The mucosa of the cleft hard palate was freed by dissecting from the os palatinum on both sides. Then, the hard palate was repaired by suturing the mucosal edges mutually. Palatal and alveolar clefts were repaired using Veau's technique. During the post-operative interview with the patient's owner, it was learned that the calf had difficulty in swallowing during feeding. It was determined that the calf died on the 8th postoperative day due to aspiration pneumonia that developed due to the absence of probable swallowing reflex.

Dentition patterns in bilateral cleft lip subphenotypes: multicenter study.

Here, we retrospectively investigated cases of bilateral oral clefts (OCs) to determine the clinical relevance of detailed distinction of incomplete cleft lip subphenotypes, based on morphological severity of the cleft, within the categories cleft lip with or without alveolus (CL ± A) and cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CLAP). We further assessed possible associations between CL subphenotypes (complete vs different incomplete types) and different dentition patterns of the lateral incisor. Our analysis included 151 non-syndromic Caucasian bilateral OC-patients (8-20 years old) from the Dutch Association for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies registry. Six different deciduous and permanent lateral incisor patterns were distinguished: normal position (z/Z), supernumerary lateral incisor (n/N), presence in the anterior (x/X) or posterior (y/Y) segment of the cleft, one in each cleft segment (xy/XY), and agenesis (ab/AB). Logistic regression was performed to show the associations between the CL subphenotypes and dentition patterns of the lateral incisor. One hundred three had complete, while 48 had incomplete CLs. Patterns z/Z and n/N were associated with a submucous/vermillion notch, incomplete CL, and intact alveolus. Patterns x/X, y/Y, and xy/XY were most common in patients with two-thirds to subtotal CL and complete CL. The most severe pattern, ab/AB, was most commonly associated with complete CL. Based on the morphological severity of the CLs, it can be stated that the more severe the CL in bilateral CL ± A and CLAP, the more severe the abnormal pattern of the dentition. Further distinction of incomplete cleft lip subphenotypes (submucous/vermillion notch, one-third to two-thirds CL, two-thirds to subtotal CL) in bilateral CL ± A and CLAP has clinical relevance.

Autogenous Tooth Bone Grafts for Repair and Regeneration of Maxillofacial Defects: A Narrative Review.

Autogenous tooth graft is an innovative and ingenious technique that employs a stepwise approach and utilizes human teeth as an autogenous source of bone graft. The structure of teeth closely resembles bone, both physically and biochemically, and can be efficiently used for the process as it depicts properties of osteoinduction and osteoconduction. Autogenous tooth bone has characteristics similar to bone grafts in terms of healing potential, physical properties, and clinical outcome. Autogenous tooth graft has shown reasonable promise as a graft material for the regeneration of maxillary and mandibular defects. Autogenous tooth bone graft finds its principal application in sinus and ridge augmentations and for socket preservation before implant placement. Additionally, it can be used successfully for alveolar cleft patients and patients with limited periodontal defects. The overall complication rates reported for autogenous tooth grafts are comparable to other graft sources. However, although long-term results are still underway, it is still recommended as a grafting option for limited defects in the cranio-facial region.

Three-dimensional Changes of Maxillary Alveolar Morphology After Using Modified Nasoalveolar Molding in Patients with Complete Unilateral Cleft lip and Palate.

This study aimed to evaluate the three-dimensional changes in maxillary alveolar morphology after using modified NAM in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. This is a retrospective study. The study was carried out in the dental hospital, Faculty of Dentistry of Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, which serves as a tertiary care center. The population sample consisted of 19 patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. All patients received the modified NAM treatment based on the treatment protocol of the Naresuan University Cleft and Craniofacial Center, Thailand. Dental models obtained at pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) were scanned to construct the digital models. The maxillary digital models that showed dimensional changes between T0 and T1 were measured using a computer graphic software. The modified NAM resulted in a significant decrease in the anterior cleft width, posterior cleft width, and anterior arch width. Conversely, it caused a significant increase in the length of the lesser cleft segment and the greater segment rotation. However, the change in the height of both segments and posterior arch width was not found to be significant. The modified NAM was an effective device for reducing the alveolar cleft width while improving the alignment of alveolar cleft segments.

Clinical Application of Stem Cell Therapy in Reconstructing Maxillary Cleft Alveolar Bone Defects: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

An alveolar cleft is the most common congenital bone defect. This systematic review aimed to investigate the use of stem cells for alveolar cleft repair and summarize the outcomes of clinical research studies. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar were utilized to search the literature for relevant studies after administering specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search included articles that were published from 2011 to 2021 and specific keywords were used in the databases. The search was completed by two independent reviewers following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.Only four studies satisfied both the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. These studies investigated different aspects of bone reconstruction in the maxillary alveolar bone by stem cells, including cell types, clinical applications, biomaterial scaffolds, and follow-up period. The accumulated evidence in this systematic review is limited and insufficient to support the role of stem cell use in bone regeneration of maxillary alveolar bone defects. The outcome of using stem cells was studied only in 57 subjects from the four included studies. Although the noninvasive methods of isolating stem cells make them attractive resources for bone regeneration, more research is required in order to standardize and investigate stem cell therapy. This should be done beforehand in adults in less invasive procedures such as bone defect repair in dentistry prior to considering this type of therapy in this vulnerable patient population.

Treatment satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life in patients with cleft lip and palate after secondary alveolar bone grafting

Secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) using autologous iliac crest cancellous bone is a standard procedure for patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction after bone grafting of the alveolar cleft. Patients who underwent SABG between 2000 and 2010 in one surgical centre were included in this cross-sectional study. Three questionnaires were used, one addressing functional and aesthetic outcomes (nine items), the second being the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G14), and the third addressing donor site morbidity. A total of 103 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of whom 71 could be contacted, and 52 completed the questionnaires. The majority of the patients (98%) were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results and reported low donor site morbidity. A significant correlation was found between scores from the patient satisfaction questionnaire and the OHIP-G14. Regarding overall patient satisfaction, the manifestation of the cleft had no significant influence. The questionnaires used allowed the assessment of subjective outcome parameters, but might not be absolutely specific and exclusive for the SABG procedure in the framework of comprehensive CLP therapy. Nevertheless, SABG using autologous iliac crest cancellous bone can be considered a highly satisfactory procedure.