Complete Cleft Palate Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Releasing the Lower Lateral Cartilage Through Intranasal Z-plasty Incision on the Vestibular Web During Secondary Correction of Nasal Deformities in Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

The primary goal in the secondary correction of unilateral cleft lip nose deformity is to achieve symmetry of the nose and nostril. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of freeing the lower lateral cartilage from the pyriform ligament through an intranasal Z-plasty incision on the vestibular web in adult patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Thirty-six patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, who underwent open rhinoplasty between August 2014 and December 2021, were identified retrospectively. Five parameters for nose form and nostril symmetry were measured on basal views through 2-dimensional photographic analysis. The patients were divided into subgroups with or without septoplasty. Cleft-to-non-cleft ratios between the Z (13 patients) and non-Z groups (23 patients) were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The mean follow-up was 12.9 months (6-31mo). In the Z group, there were significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative values for nostril angulation, regardless of septoplasty (all P <0.05). Despite septoplasty, significant differences in the postoperative changes in nostril angulation were found between the Z and non-Z groups (all P <0.05). Intranasal Z-plasty on the plica vestibularis is an effective technique for releasing the lower lateral cartilage, improving the nostril asymmetry in cleft lip nose deformity.

Prognosis of Maxillary Central Incisors in Patients with Bilateral Cleft Lip/Palate.

Evaluate periodontal bone support of maxillary central incisors (MCI) in patients with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCCLP). Determine if syndromic diagnosis, age at time of alveolar bone graft (ABG), presence of maxillary lateral incisor (MLI), history of dentofacial orthopedics, maxillary expansion, and pre-maxillary osteotomy are associated with the periodontal bone support of MCI. Retrospective radiographic study. Tertiary care children's hospital One hundred seventy-nine patients with BCCLP (22 syndromic) who had post-operative ABG cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken between 2002-2018. Crown to root (C/R) ratio of MCI measured on CBCT scans. The C/R ratio in 65% of MCI indicated periodontally compromised teeth. Presence of a MLI improved bone support on adjacent MCI when compared to those missing a MLI (51.4% vs 28.4%, P = .010). There was no significant difference in C/R ratios for syndromic diagnosis, age at ABG, history of dentofacial orthopedics, maxillary expansion, and pre-maxillary osteotomy. The majority of MCI in patients with BCCLP are periodontally compromised but bone support is improved when cleft adjacent lateral incisors are present.

Differences of temporomandibular joint symmetry in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate at different developmental stages.

Currently, the research results regarding the bilateral temporomandibular joint symmetry in patients at different ages with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP) are still controversial. In this study, the position of condyle in the articular fossa and morphology of condyle in UCLP patients at different developmental stages was measured and analyzed to explore the asymmetry difference, which can provide a new theoretical basis for the sequential therapy. A total of 90 patients with UCLP were divided into a mixed dentition group (31 cases), a young permanent dentition group (31 cases) and an old permanent dentition group (28 cases) according to age and dentition development. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were imported into Invivo5 software for 3D reconstruction, and the joint space, anteroposterior diameter, medio-lateral diameter, and height of condylar were measured, and its asymmetry index was calculated. The asymmetry index of condylar height and anteroposterior diameter among the 3 groups, from small to large, was the mixed dentition group<the young permanent dentition group<the old permanent dentition group (both P<0.05). There was no significant difference in condylar anteroposterior diameter and asymmetry index between the mixed dentition group and the young permanent dentition group (both P>0.05), all of them were lower than those in the old permanent dentition group (both P<0.05). Compared with the normal side, the height of fracture condyle was smaller among the 3 groups (all P<0.05), and the anterior joint space was smaller (P<0.05) and the posterior joint space was larger (P<0.05) in the mixed dentition group. In patients with UCLP, the asymmetry of condylar morphology increases with age, but the condylar position tends to normal. These results suggest that early treatment has important clinical significance for the morphologic development of temporomandibular joint in UCLP patients.

Design of Unilateral Complete Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding (PNAM) Corrector Based on Feature Points Extraction of Complex 3D Surface

Cleft lip and palate is a congenital maxillofacial deformity. Unilateral complete cleft lip and palate is one of the most common clinical types. Nasal alveolar molding (PNAM) is a recognized strategy for the treatment of cleft lip and palate. However, the current design of PNAM devices mainly relies on the subjective experience of doctors. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and manufacture of a new computer-aided design appliance, which can be applied to the presurgical nasoalveolar molding of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, eliminate individual differences, and improve production efficiency. In this paper, seven feature points on the healthy side and the affected side are extracted by the method of Gaussian curvature and ridge line extraction, and the healthy side rotation and built-in model are designed by using these seven feature points, which can quickly generate eight treatment stages of PNAM. The correction effects of the PNAM appliance designed in this paper were compared with the original maxillary model and the clinical PNAM appliance (hand-made by subjective experience) from the aspects of alveolar fissure width and symmetry. The PNAM appliance designed in this paper can effectively improve the symmetry of patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (morphological similarity: t = 3.250, p ≤ 0.01; length similarity: t = 1.559, p = 0.150) and reduce the width of alveolar cleft (t = 8.330, p &lt; 0.01). This can fully achieve the therapeutic effect of PNAM appliances prepared by experienced doctors and is more efficient. The method based on complex 3D surface feature point extraction can provide the basis for the design and evaluation of a unilateral complete PNAM correction model, improve the design and production efficiency of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate appliance, eliminate the design problems caused by individual differences, and reduce the burden of doctors.

Sommerlad–Furlow modified palatoplasty: A retrospective study

The purpose of this study was to introduce the surgical process of Sommerlad–Furlow modified (S–F) palatoplasty and compare its surgical and functional outcomes with conventional Sommerlad (S) palatoplasty.Patients with non-syndromic cleft palate who had undergone either S–F palatoplasty or S palatoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. Data on the outcomes of velopharyngeal function and postsurgical palatal fistula incidence were collected for all patients. Data for preselected factors, including gender, age at palatoplasty, and cleft type, were also collected. Chi-square tests were conducted.1254 patients were included. The postsurgical velopharyngeal competence (VPC) rate after S–F palatoplasty was significantly higher than after S palatoplasty (total, 70.5% vs 57.9%, p < 0.0001; age ≤ 1, 87.0% vs 69.2%, p < 0.0001; 1 < age ≤ 2, 78.3% vs 69.3%, p = 0.0479). With regard to different types of cleft palate, the postsurgical VPC rates after S–F palatoplasty were all significantly higher than for S palatoplasty in all patients younger than 2 years of age (complete cleft palate, 78.7% vs 62.4%, p = 0.0016; hard and soft palate cleft, 84.4% vs 74.8%, p = 0.0172; submucosal cleft and soft palate cleft, 96.6% vs 68.4%, p = 0.0114). The postoperative fistula rate after S–F palatoplasty was 4.3%.This modified palatoplasty technique provided adequate cleft palate closure, with satisfactory speech outcomes and low fistula rates, while older age at palatoplasty may affect the postsurgical outcomes. Within the limitations of the study it seems that the Sommerlad–Furlow modified technique is an option for cleft palate repair.

Comparison of Facial Growth Between Two Nasoalveolar Molding Techniques in Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip Patients: A Randomized, Prospective, Single-blind Trial.

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) has become standard treatment in our Craniofacial Center. Two types of pre-surgical NAM, Grayson technique and Figueroa technique, co-exist. We previously found no differences in number of clinic visits, cost and 6 months post-operative outcome between the two techniques. Since Figueroa's method involves passive, whilst Grayson's method involves active, alveolar molding, we extended the previous study to evaluate facial growth between these two groups. This randomized, prospective, single-blind study, conducted between May 2010 and March 2013, recruited 30 patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patients and randomized them for Grayson or Figueroa pre-surgical NAM. Their standard lateral cephalometric measurements at 5 years were used to determine facial growth. Twenty-nine patients completed 5 years of follow-up. There were no statistical differences in facial cephalometric measurements between the two groups. Pre-surgical NAM using either passive or active NAM technique produced similar facial growth patterns after unilateral cleft lip and palate repair.

Evaluation of Radiographic Outcomes of Alveolar Graft Associated with Premaxillary Osteotomy Performed with rhBMP-2.

To evaluate the influence of filling material and timing of surgery on radiograph outcomes of alveolar grafting with premaxillary osteotomy. The null hypothesis was that radiographic outcomes would be similar with both rhBMP-2 (rhBMP-2G) and cancellous bone from the iliac crest (IG), regardless of the timing of surgery. Cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling of 56 periapical or occlusal radiographs taken 12 months after surgery. A single tertiary craniofacial center. Twenty-eight patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate and mean age of 13 years. The individuals underwent bilateral alveolar grafting associated with premaxillary osteotomy (AG + PO) with rhBMP-2 or cancellous bone from the iliac crest. Experienced maxillofacial surgeons used the same surgical technique in both groups. AG + PO were assigned as success or failure by 3 blinded raters based on modified Bergland and SWAG scales. The influence of filling materials and timing of surgery on radiographic outcomes was verified by Fisher's exact test and chi-square test (P < .05). There was no significance variation between the mean age of participants in the rhBMP-2G and IG (P = .471). Scales showed almost perfect reliability (agreement rate = 96.4%; K = 0.85). rhBMP-2G and IG had similar success rates with modified Bergland scale (85.7% and 82.1%) and SWAG scale (92.9% and 82.1%), respectively. However, only modified Bergland scale found influence of age on radiographic outcomes (P = .025). AG + PO performed with rhBMP-2 and iliac crest bone showed similar radiographic success rates, regardless of the timing of surgery.

A National Racial Disparity in the Timing of Alveolar Bone Grafting

Objective: 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 objective of this study is to identify whether a racial disparity is present nationally in the timing of alveolar bone grafting. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program pediatric database was performed from 2012 to 2019. Inclusion criteria involved patients who underwent alveolar bone grafting identified by current procedure terminology (CPT) code 42210. 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). Results: 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 < 0.001). Conclusion: 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. Corresponding Author: Darin Patmon, 4254 Oak Forest Ct. SE Apt H8, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Long Term Study of Otitis Media with Effusion after Palatoplasty and Myringotomy with Ventilation Tube Insertion

Objective: To identify the incidence of recurrent otitis media in cleft palate patients after palatoplasty and myringotomy \14 ";"&gt;with ventilation tube (VT) insertion in addition to identifying risk factors of recurrent otitis media with effusion (OME). Material and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from; January 2002 – December 2014. A total of 120 non- syndromic cleft palate patients were included and analyzed for risk factors contributing to recurrent otitis \14 ";"&gt;media with effusion. Results: \14 ";"&gt;In total, 77.5% of the VT slipped off at 10 months after their initial operation. The incidence of recurrent OME was 54.2% at 7 months after VT slipped off. Significant risk factors that were associated to recurrent OME included: complete cleft palate, two-stage palatoplasty and VT slip-off (p-value&lt;0.05). Conclusion: \14 ";"&gt;The incidence of recurrence OME was 54.2%, and risk factors for recurrence OME are VT slipped off, complete cleft palate and two-stage palatoplasty.

Veau’s group IV Cleft: A case report

The case report demonstrates treatment of Group 4 cleft under Veau’s Classification of cleft lip and palate. The patient had complete cleft palate, displaced premaxilla, bilateral cleft alveolus, repaired bilateral cleft lip, bilateral posterior crossbite and severe crowding in maxillary arch.A 18 year old male reported with forwardly placed premaxilla , severe crowding in maxillary arch. Therefore treatment was planned to make a 3D printed model of the maxillary arch for proper treatment plan. To relive severe crowding with modified Transpalatal Arch, followed by expansion of maxillary arch and to achieve proper occlusion with fixed orthodontic treatment. After achievement of proper leveling and alignment fixed prosthesis was planned to achieve desired aesthetics.

Influence of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) treatment in maxillary dental arch width and nasolabial symmetry in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

Unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCCLP) is one of the most severe clinical subphenotypes among nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P), that complicates surgical repair operations. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) is a technique used to reshape the nose, lip and alveolar bone of infants with UCCLP before surgery (the modified Mohler rotation advancement cheiloplasty and two flap palatoplasty), with the potential to facilitate surgical repair. However, the effectiveness of PNAM treatment is still a matter of debate. In this paper, the 3Shape scanning system and 3dMD stereophotography were used to assess the short-term and long-term effects of PNAM treatment on the dental arch morphology and nasolabial features of patients with UCCLP, respectively. The findings indicated that PNAM treatment negatively affects both short-term and long-term dental arch shape compared to the treatment without PNAM, particularly in terms of limiting the transverse width of the maxillary canine-to-midline. Regarding the nasal and labial symmetry, PNAM improves the symmetry of the nasal alae in patients over 7 years old and the symmetry of the lip in patients under 7 years old. Moreover, UCCLP patients who received PNAM treatment exhibited a shorter and wider shape of the nostril on the cleft side compared to those without PNAM treatment. In clinical practice, the multidisciplinary team should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the outcomes of PNAM treatment when treating infants with cleft lip and palate.

Outcomes of permanent canines on the cleft side after secondary alveolar grafting using different materials in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

The prevalence of impaction of the permanent canine on the cleft side (PCCS) ranges from 12-35% after alveolar bone grafting (ABG). PCCSs usually develop above other permanent teeth in the alveolar process, gradually becoming vertical until they reach the occlusal plane. The type of cleft, hypodontia of lateral incisor on the cleft side, slower PCCS root development, and genetic factors are predictors of impaction and/or its ectopic eruption. To compare the behavior of PCCS in individuals with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) subjected to secondary alveolar grafting (SAG) with different materials. This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed 120 individuals undergoing SAG with iliac crest bone, rhBMP-2, and mandibular symphysis. The individuals were selected at a single center and equally divided into three groups. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed by the Dolphin Imaging 11.95 software to measure PCCS angulation and PCCS height from the occlusal plane at two different timepoints. No statistical significance was found between grafting materials (P=0.416). At T1, the PCCS height from the occlusal plane was greater for rhBMP-2 and mandibular symphysis compared to iliac crest bone. The lateral incisor on the cleft side was not related to success or lack of eruption of PCCS (P=0.870). Impaction rates of PCCS were similar for the materials studied. Absence of the lateral incisor on the cleft side did not prevent spontaneous eruption of PCCSs.

Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding—Efficacy and Biomechanics in Management of Cleft Lip and Palate: A Review of the Literature

AbstractPresurgical infant orthopaedics (PSIO) appliances are used in the management of cleft lip and palate. Frequently, among all PSIO appliances utilized is presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliance. In this review, we looked for the application of the NAM appliance, its efficacy, and biomechanics. A comprehensive search strategy was performed in two databases (Google Scholar and PubMed) for articles using NAM in the treatment plan of patients with cleft lip and palate. Six articles were included in this study with one randomized control trial, two retrospective, and three case reports studies. The studies reveal the NAM is efficient as a presurgical modality treatment for complete cleft lip and palate with multiple benefits, including reducing surgical scars and alveolar gap, used as feeding plate, improve nasal contour, and decreased the number of rectifying surgical procedure.

Short-term surgical outcomes in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate after presurgical nasoalveolar molding therapy: A three-dimensional anthropometric study.

This brief research report aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacy of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) therapy on the nasolabial morphology three dimensionally in patients with non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Thirty-six patients with non-syndromic complete unilateral complete cleft lip and palate were enrolled retrospectively and categorized into 2 groups: 18 patients who had received PNAM treatment (PNAM group) and 18 age-matched patients who have not receive PNAM treatment (no PNAM group) from 2017 to 2021. The average starting age for PNAM therapy was 18.33 days, and the average PNAM treatment duration was 99.08 days. Twelve nasolabial parameters were measured to compare the postsurgical outcomes of two groups. In PNAM groups, cleft width, vertical distance between double Crista philtri and columellar deviation were reduced compared to that in no PNAM group. And nostril height was larger than that in no PNAM group. The differences between two groups were statistically significant (p < .05). There were no statistical differences in columellar length, nostril width and bi-alar width between two groups. However, the nostril width on cleft side in PNAM group was decreased by an average of 1.1 mm. Our result indicated that PNAM therapy decreased cleft width and vertical distance between Crista philtri. It also increased nasal symmetry by decreasing columellar deviation, increasing nostril height.

Electromyographic Evaluation of Superior Orbicularis Oris Muscle Activity in Patients With Complete Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Before and After Vestibuloplasty Using Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy.

Introduction: Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most typical congenital craniofacial anomalies. Post-surgical scars in cleft lip patients can cause shallow upper labial sulcus and reduced upper lip length. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of CO2 laser vestibuloplasty on the electromyographical (EMG) activity of patients' superior orbicularis oris muscle, depth of labial sulcus, and upper lip length, and their satisfaction with the procedure and its results. The CO2 laser is an effective vestibuloplasty procedure, is safe and highly acceptable for patients, and has little effect on muscle contraction. Methods: A total of 15 cleft lip and cleft palate patients participated in this study. Vestibuloplasty was performed using carbon dioxide laser therapy in one session in such a way that EMG activity in the upper lip muscle, depth of labial sulcus, and upper lip length were measured two times: before (T0) and twenty days after surgery (T1). Patients' satisfaction surveys were also recorded using a patient questionnaire at T1. Results: The mean values for vestibular depth at T0 and T1 were 2.00±1.71 and 4.52±1.43, respectively. The mean values for upper lip length at T0 and T1 were 6.90±2.32 and 8.00±2.40, respectively, suggesting a significant change in vestibular depth and upper lip length. The vestibular depth and upper lip length significantly increased at T1. The EMG recording of the upper lip muscle experienced a moderate decrease after laser treatment, both at rest and at maximum lip protrusion. Moreover, patients' satisfaction with the surgical procedure was 82% positive. Conclusion: Using the CO2 laser increased the vestibular depth and upper lip length successfully and made small changes in the EMG activity of the superior orbicularis oris.

Prosthetic restoration with virtual planned subperiosteal implant in adult patient with cleft lip and palate with severe sequelae

Dental rehabilitation is a major challenge for patients with severe jaw atrophy since the latter hinders the use of conventional dental implants. Virtual planning and CAD/CAM technologies have contributed to developing customized subperiosteal implants (IPS Implants® Pre-prosthetic, KLS Martin), which can be a safe and predictable treatment alternative in these cases. We present maxillary dental rehabilitation using custom subperiosteal implants in a 29-year-old patient with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate along with severe hard and soft tissue atrophy in the premaxilla following primary surgery. Customized subperiosteal implants are an alternative treatment option in cases where conventional dental implants are not possible or where bone augmentation procedures have failed or are not feasible. We therefore propose the use of these implants in patients with cleft lip and palate with complex bone defects.

The Evaluation of Hospital Social Responsibility Services in Gatot Soebroto Indonesia Central Army Hospital in 2015 – 2019 of Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

Background : Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies treated by plastic surgeons. The incidence of cleft lip and palate is higher at lower socioeconomic levels. Hospital Social Responsibility (HSR) in Gatot Soebroto Central Army Hospital provides free cleft lip and palate surgeries to those who need it the most. The HSR services still need to be evaluated, to get an overview of epidemiologic profile of cleft lip and palate patients, and to improve the services itself. Materials and Method: The authors conducted a retrospective descriptive study based on online data of Smile Train HSR RSPAD Cleft Center from period of January 2015 to December 2019. All patients presented with cleft lip and/or palate were included. Results : Of all 713 patients in total; The gender distribution male 62.2% (444/713) was higher than female 37.7% (269/713). Most of the patients came from Java Island 77.5% (553/713). 685 were primary surgeries, 28 secondary surgeries. Among the primary surgeries, lip repair has the highest numbers 71.6% (491/685), followed by palate repair 27.2% (187/685), and alveolar bone grafting 1% (7/685). The most widely used surgical technique in lip surgery was the Millard 50% (345/685), while the most widely used surgical technique in palate surgery was the Bardach technique 22.9% (157/685). The median age for the primary lip repair patients was 1 year (range, 3 months to 60 years), and the median age for the primary palate repair patients was 4 year (range, 7 months to 26 years). Among secondary surgeries, lip revision with Millard technique was the highest (82.1%), followed by scar revision 3.57%, fistula repair (7.1%). The most common diagnosis was unilateral cleft lip (left 34.4%, right 13.2%) and followed by complete cleft palate (22.7%) Conclusion : Male patients were more dominant than females. The most common diagnosis was unilateral cleft lip. Incomplete diagnostic data and clinical photos of patients make it difficult to determine the complete diagnose of cleft lip and palate.

Speech outcome evaluation in post-cleft palate closure patients with two flaps pushback technique

Speech quality is an essential output in assessing the success of a palatoplasty. The goal of a palatoplasty is not merely to create a simple anatomical closure of the palate, but also to create an adequate velopharyngeal mechanism for a normal speech outcome and to prevent abnormal maxillofacial development after surgery. The aim of this study is to find out the difference in speech outcome between post-cleft palate closure patients and patients without cleft palate. An analytical retrospective study was conducted on 22 children (n = 22) with complete unilateral cleft palate, who had been treated using two flap push back technic of palatoplasty during 2014-2017 by purposive sampling method, and 22 children without cleft palate as the control group. The evaluation of speech outcome was done using an assessment of perception by doing a speech pathologist and instrumental examination by taking a lateral cephalometry radiograph. The perception was assessed by the articulation pattern, hypernasality, and speech intelligibility. The lateral cephalometry radiograph was taken at /i/ phonation to measure the distance velum to the posterior pharynx wall. Data were analyzed using Mann Whitney test. The velopharyngeal competence in post-palatoplasty group consisted of 22.8% adequate result, 0.1% marginal result, and 68.1% inadequate result. Meanwhile, in the control group, there were 72.7% adequate and 27.3% inadequate competence. According to the result of the statistical test, this study concluded that there was a significant difference in speech outcome based on articulation pattern, hypernasality, speech intelligibility, and velopharyngeal distance between post-cleft palate closure patients and patients without cleft palate (p &lt; 0.05). Majority of patients after cleft palate closure with two flaps pushback technique had inadequate velopharyngeal competence with moderate-severe hypernasality, severe nasal emission, abnormal speech intelligibility, and velopharyngeal distance ≥ 5.0 mm, whereas the majority of control group had an adequate velopharyngeal competence.

Assessment of Self-Esteem and Quality of Life in Patients with Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment.

To assess the self-esteem and quality of life (QOL) in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who were undergoing orthodontic treatment. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample of 300 individuals consisted of 150 patients with UCLP (Group I) and 150 normal controls (Group II) with an age range of 10-25 years, who were undergoing comprehensive orthodontic treatment from December 2016 to December 2018. The Self Esteem and QOL were assessed using the Rosenberg Self Esteem scale (RSE) and Modified Paediatric QOL Inventory Scale (M-PQOL), respectively, in Group I and II. The comparison of overall mean scores of responses to RSE questionnaires showed nonsignificant differences for all the responses and was significant only for RSE 6 and RSE 8 in the age group of 10-15 years and 21-25 years, respectively, and nonsignificant for all other questions in all the age groups. The comparison of overall mean scores of M-PQOL for the total sample showed nonsignificant differences in Group I and II for physical functioning, emotional functioning, and school functioning domain, and were highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) in the social functioning domain and M-PQOL 12 and M-PQOL 21. This study demands a definite need of a psychologist/psychiatrist among the cleft care team to counsel the patients with cleft during orthodontic treatment for motivating them to gain self-respect and acceptance in the society as certain aspects, particularly social functioning domain made them feel different from normal children because of the functional and aesthetic problems.

Early Cleft Palate Repair by a Modified Technique Without Relaxing Incisions.

This study sought to evaluate a modified palatoplasty technique (MPT) concerning the postoperative outcomes and associated influencing factors. A retrospective cohort study. One hundred forty-three consecutive patients with non-syndromic cleft palate, who received MPT before one year of age within an oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a university-affiliated tertiary hospital between 2011-2017, were reviewed. The postoperative wound healing and velopharyngeal function (VPF) were the primary outcome measures. The sex, age at surgery, cleft type, cleft width, palatal width, soft palate length, pharyngeal cavity depth, and operation duration were preselected as influencing factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. The mean age at surgery was 9 ± 1.31 months (5-11), and the average cleft width was 9.03 ± 2.41 mm (4-15). The rate of incomplete cleft palate was 84.6% while the complete cleft palate was 15.4%. Complete wound healing was reported in 96.5% while the others (3.5%) had persistent oronasal fistula. About 90.2% of cases have shown normal velopharyngeal function whereas the others (9.8%) had sustained velopharyngeal insufficiency. The wound healing appeared to be significantly impacted by cleft width and pharyngeal cavity depth (P = .015 and 0.049, respectively). However, none of the factors had a significant association with VPF. The present modified palatoplasty technique has obtained a low fistula rate and appropriate speech outcome. Therefore, this MPT could be promoted for early repairing cleft palate of different severities.