Complete Unilateral Cleft Palate Research Articles

Is the collateral circulation pattern in the hard palate affected by cleft deformity?

ObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of collateral vascularization on surgical cleft palate closure and deformities.Materials and methodsCorrosion casting was performed using red-colored acrylic resin in twelve fresh adult cadavers with a normal hard palate. Additionally, white-colored barium sulfate was injected into a fetus with a unilateral complete cleft palate, and layer-by-layer tissue dissection was performed. Both substances were injected into the external carotid arteries. Corrosion casting involved dissolving the soft and hard tissues of the orofacial area utilizing an enzymatic solution.ResultsIn normal palates, bilateral intraosseous infraorbital arteries formed a network in the premaxilla with the intraosseous nasopalatine- and greater palatine arteries (GPAs). The perforating GPAs anastomosed with the sphenopalatine artery sub-branches. Bilateral extraosseous GPA anastomoses penetrated the median palatine suture. Complex vascularization in the retrotuberal area was detected. In the cleft zone, anastomoses were omitted, whereas in the non-cleft zone, enlarged GPAs were distributed along the cleft edges and followed the anatomical course anteriorly to initiate the network with facial artery sub-branches.ConclusionsThe anatomical subunits of the palate exhibited distinct anastomosis patterns. Despite omitted anastomoses with collateral circulation in the cleft zone, arteries maintained their anatomical pattern as seen in the normal specimen in the non-cleft zone.Clinical relevanceBased on the findings in normal- and cleft palates, surgeons may expect developed anastomosis patterns in the non-cleft zone. Due to the lack of microcirculation in the cleft zone, the existent anastomoses should be maintained as much as possible by the surgical technique. This applies anteriorly in the incisive canal territory, alveolar ridges, and posteriorly in the retrotuberal area.

Scar Outcome in Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip Repair: A Comparative Analysis of Vertical Lip Lengthening Strategies Using the Rotation-Advancement Concept.

To assess the differences in scar outcomes between modified rotation-advancement techniques proposed by Drs. Mohler and Noordhoff, designed to address issues such as inadequate vertical lip length and scarring on the upper third of the lip in the original rotation-advancement technique. Retrospective single-surgeon (RD) study. Consecutive non-syndromic children (n = 68) with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Modified Mohler (columellar backcut reconstructed with C flap; n = 34) and modified Noordhoff (lower, medially-created backcut reconstructed with laterally-based triangular skin flap; n = 34) repairs. Using 12-month postoperative frontal photographs, scar evaluations (overall and superior, middle, and inferior portions of the lip) were appraised by an assessment panel composed by independent professional and nonprofessional raters employing four validated qualitative scar assessment scales: Manchester Scar Scale, modified Scar-Rating Scale, Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, and Visual Analog Scale. Quantitative computerized photogrammetric scar widths of the superior, middle, and inferior portions of the upper lip were also measured. The modified Noordhoff method showed significantly (all P < .001) better scar quality for the overall scar and superior portion of the scar in all four scales compared to the modified Mohler method, with no significant (all P > .05) difference for the middle and lower portions. No significant difference (all P > .05) was observed for photogrammetric scar width measurements. The modified Noordhoff technique provided better qualitative results for unilateral complete cleft lip-related scars compared to the modified Mohler technique.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis on stress distribution after different palatoplasty and levator veli palatini muscle reconstruction.

To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of the upper palate, pharyngeal cavity, and levator veli palatini muscle in patients with unilateral complete cleft palate, simulate two surgical procedures that the two-flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method, observe the stress distribution of the upper palate soft tissue and changes in pharyngeal cavity area after different surgical methods, and verify the accuracy of the model by reconstructing and measuring the levator veli palatini muscle. Mimics, Geomagic, Ansys, and Hypermesh were applied to establish three-dimensional finite element models of the pharyngeal cavity, upper palate, and levator veli palatini muscle in patients with unilateral complete cleft palate. The parameters including length, angle, and cross-sectional area of the levator veli palatini muscle etc. were measured in Mimics, and two surgical procedures that two-flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method were simulated in Ansys, and the area of pharyngeal cavity was measured by hypermesh. A three-dimensional finite element model of the upper palate, pharyngeal cavity, and bilateral levator veli palatini muscle was established in patients with unilateral complete cleft palate ; The concept of horizontal projection characteristics of the palatal dome was applied to the finite element simulation of cleft palate surgery, vividly simulating the displacement and elastic stretching of the two flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method during the surgical process; The areas with the highest stress in the two-flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method both occur in the hard soft palate junction area; In resting state, as measured, the two flap method can narrow the pharyngeal cavity area by 50.9%, while the Furlow reverse double Z method can narrow the pharyngeal cavity area by 65.4%; The measurement results of the levator veli palatini muscle showed no significant difference compared to previous studies, confirming the accuracy of the model. The finite element method was used to establish a model to simulate the surgical procedure, which is effective and reliable. The area with the highest postoperative stress for both methods is the hard soft palate junction area, and the stress of the Furlow reverse double Z method is lower than that of the two-flap method. The anatomical conditions of pharyngeal cavity of Furlow reverse double Z method are better than that of two-flap method in the resting state. This article uses three-dimensional finite element method to simulate the commonly used two-flap method and Furlow reverse double Z method in clinical cleft palate surgery, and analyzes the stress distribution characteristics and changes in pharyngeal cavity area of the two surgical methods, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the surgeon to choose the surgical method and reduce the occurrence of complications.

Mandibular canine development as an indicator of maxillary cleft site canine development

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine if mandibular canine development is an indicator of maxillary cleft site canine development. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional chart review with analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging of patients aged 7–12 with a unilateral complete cleft lip and palate who received alveolar bone graft surgery from January 2009 to January 2019. Three-dimensional (3D) measurements of the cleft site canine and ipsilateral mandibular canine were taken. A two-dimensional image was created from the 3D CBCT to simulate a traditional panoramic radiograph. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for age and gender. Pearson and Spearman correlations were calculated. The main outcome measure was the mandibular canine crown-to-root ratio (C:RR) compared to that of the maxillary cleft site canine C:RR. Results: Five hundred and thirteen patients were reviewed, of which 78 met the inclusion criteria. Adjusting for age and gender, every unit change in mandibular canine C:RR corresponds to 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42–0.95) change in maxillary canine C:RR, up to a mandibular canine C:RR of 3. Beyond a mandibular C:RR of 3, no change in the maxillary canine C:RR was observed (−0.02; 95%CI = −0.27–0.24). Pearson correlation coefficient was r = 0.65, and the Spearman correlation was P = 0.75. Conclusion: Mandibular canine C:RR is correlated to maxillary cleft site canine C:RR when the mandibular canine C:RR is ≤3.

Relationship of complete unilateral and bilateral cleft palate with malposition and malformation of maxillary lateral incisors

Cleft palate is a facial deformity that allows primary and permanent teeth to be affected by anomalies such as malpositions and malformations. The lateral incisors are the most commonly affected in patients with cleft palate. The diagnosis of malposition and dental malformation is established through history taking, clinical examination, and diagnostic evaluation in the form of study models, clinical photos, and panoramic radiographs. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between complete unilateral and bilateral cleft palate and maxillary lateral incisor malposition and malformation. The research method is analytic cross-sectional, with the research sample consisting of 35 primary data from clinical examinations and secondary data from panoramic radiographs of pediatric patients 5-13 years old at YPPCBL RSGM Padjadjaran University, Bandung. This study looked at the clinical condition of dental anomalies and the interpretation of panoramic radiographs. Data were analyzed using Kendall Concordal analysis and Spearman rank correlation. The results showed that the impaction is the most common type of maxillary lateral incisor malposition found in complete unilateral and bilateral cleft palate. Peg shape is the most common type of maxillary lateral incisor malformation found in complete unilateral cleft palate. The highest rate of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis was found in bilateral complete cleft palate compared to complete unilateral clefts. There is a relationship between complete unilateral and bilateral cleft palate, which was statistically significant at 78% with p-value = 5.69E-32 &amp;#60;0.05. The conclusion of the study is there is a relationship between the unilateral cleft palate; and bilateral complete with malposition and malformation of maxillary lateral incisors.

The use of Korat-modified nasoalveolar molding devices in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate with a 5-year follow-up

The nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliance has been the appliance of choice for pre-surgical orthopedics to improve nasal and lip morphology, and optimally align the alveolar segments before cheiloplasty. However, the appliance has some limitations, including its complexity and long clinical chair time for appliance adjustments. In this case report, we present a patient treated for a right complete cleft lip and palate using three types of Korat modification for NAM with a 5-year follow-up. This study demonstrated that the Korat-NAM improved the aforementioned issues and was suitable for patients at different stages before and after lip and palate repair.

Establishment of a novel classification system for alveolar morphology in infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate

ObjectivesUnilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCCLP) is one of the most severe clinical subtypes among cleft lip and palate (CLP), making repair surgery and subsequent orthodontic treatment particularly challenging. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) has shown conflicting and heterogeneous results in the treatment of UCCLP patients, raising questions about whether the diversity in alveolar anatomical morphology among these patients plays a role in the effectiveness of PNAM treatment.Materials and methodsWe collected 90 digital maxillary models of infants with UCCLP and performed mathematical clustering analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA), decision tree modeling, and area under the ROC Curve (AUC) analysis, to classify alveolar morphology and identify key measurements. We also conducted clinical evaluations to assess the association between the alveolar morphology and CLP treatment outcomes.ResultsUsing mathematical clustering analysis, we classified the alveolar morphology into three distinct types: average form, horizontal form, and longitudinal form. The decision tree model, AUC analysis, and comparison analysis revealed that four measurements (Trans ACG-ACL, ML length, MG length and Inc length) were essential for clustering the alveolar morphology of infants with UCCLP. Furthermore, the blinded clinical evaluation indicated that UCCLP patients with alveolar segments of horizontal form had the lowest treatment outcomes.ConclusionOverall, our findings establish a novel quantitative classification system for the morphology of alveolar bone in infants with UCCLP and suggest that this classification may be associated with the outcomes of CLP treatment.Clinical relevanceThe multidisciplinary CLP team should thoroughly evaluate and classify the specific alveolar morphology when administering PNAM to infants with UCCLP.

Morphologic Changes Following Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) in Complete Unilateral Cleft Palate: A 3D Analysis of 3D Stereophotogrammetry

Morphologic Changes Following Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) in Complete Unilateral Cleft Palate: A 3D Analysis of 3D Stereophotogrammetry

Dynamic Molding of Cleft Nasal Cartilage in Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate Using Simple Segmented NAM.

Nasal morphology remodeling by nasoalveolar molding (NAM) before primary lip repair gives better post-surgery outcomes. However, traditional NAM has high technical sensitivity, a steep learning curve, frequent need for modifications, and interrupts lifting forces on the nasal cartilage during oral movements, thereby reducing overall efficacy of device. To eliminate interaction and interdependency of the nasal bulb with alveolar molding plate, we propose segmenting NAM (SNAM) into nasolabial complex molding (NCM) and alveolar complex molding (ACM). NCM addresses ala-septum, lip-premaxilla via lambda-nasal hook and lip taping. ACM addresses palate-alveolus via Yen-modified feeding plate. When the hook is suspended by elastic traction, nasal complex undergoes a natural rotation, where cleft-side ala lifts and septum medializes. Lip taping and feeding plate augment positive molding of cleft segments and maintain transverse relation. The current study outlines SNAM treatment strategy and assesses the effect on nasal deformity. Retrospective observational cohort study set in a comprehensive cleft care centre. Twenty patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate who underwent SNAM were selected. Retrospectively, standardized basilar views, pre-, and post-SNAM therapy were evaluated for nostril height, and nostril width, as a ratio of cleft to non-cleft side along with columellar deviation angle. SNAM resulted in significantly improved nostril symmetry with no complications observed. Nostril height ratio increased from 0.35 ± 0.10 to 0.78 ± 0.17. Nostril width ratio decreased from 3.14 ± 0.66 to 2.18 ± 0.42. Columellar deviation angle increased from 26.5 ± 6.30 to 58.5 ± 9.88 degrees. Dynamic correction of the nasal deformity in UCLP is possible through SNAM therapy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The study on the morphological changes of oropharynx in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate after palatopharyngeal closure.

Cleft lip and palate can be treated as one of the most common craniofacial congenital malformations in humans. Such disease influences tens of millions of patients all over the world. Cleft lip and palate deformity affects many important physiological functions, including breathing, swallowing, speech, chewing, and aesthetics. This work focuses on investigating the morphology and airway volume of oropharynx patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate after palatopharyngeal closure. In addition, this work evaluated the similarities and differences between patients with cleft lip and palate and those without such an issue. The employed data, selected from the Department of Stomatology of Xuzhou First People's Hospital, are based on the conical beam CT images. The study sample was divided into two groups: the selected experimental group, who confronted the cleft lip, cleft palate, and velopharyngeal closure surgery, and the selected control group, who are healthy children at the corresponding age. The parameters, including the airway volume, the airway volume of velopharyngeal and oropharyngeal segments, the minimum cross-sectional area of the pharynx, the horizontal plane airway area of the hard palate and soft one, the horizontal airway area of the hyoid bone, and the vertical distance between the hard palate and soft palate, can be measured by Dolphin. These parameters were analyzed with a statistical approach. The analysis of the above-mentioned parameters reveals that the airway volume, the minimum cross-sectional area of the pharynx, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the hyoid, and the distance between the hard palate and soft palate tip in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate show significant differences between the experimental group and the control group. Meanwhile, other parameters, including the horizontal cross-sectional area of the airway in the horizontal plane of the hard palate and the horizontal plane of the soft palate, did not show noticeable differences in the two groups. The patients, who confronted the unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, can improve with the velopharyngeal closure surgery. Furthermore, the length and vertical distance of the soft palate and the volume of each segment of the airway exhibit differences between the experimental group and the control group.

Three-dimensional volumetric changes in the airway of growing unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patients after bone-anchored maxillary protraction

This prospective controlled study evaluates volumetric, length, and average cross-sectional area (aCSA) airway changes in growing patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate after 1.5 years of bone-anchored maxillary protraction therapy. Thirty-five growing unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patientswith maxillary deficiency were included (aged 11.3 ± 0.5 years). Cone-beam computed tomography scans were obtained before bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) therapy and after 1.5 years. Agrowing group without cleft (n= 18) patients served as a control group at 1.5 years posttreatment (aged 13.1 ± 1.2 years). Volumetric, length, and aCSA changes of the total airway, nasopharynx (NP), middle pharynx, and inferior pharynx airway were evaluated. After 1.5 years of BAMP therapy, a significant increase was observed in the total airway volume and the NP (P<0.01). The middle and inferior pharynx showed an insignificant tendency of volumetric increase. Compared with the control group, a significantly larger airway volume could be observed in the total airway and NP (P<0.05). The aCSA of the NP increased significantly compared with pretreatment. The total airway and NP volumes significantly increased in growing subjects with cleft lip and palate after 1.5 years of BAMP therapy to a level comparable to a control group without cleft. Volumetric increase in the NP in the BAMP group is mainly attributed to the increase in its cross-sectional area. BAMP can therefore be recommended as an effective therapy for patients with cleft lip and palate with positive effects on airway development.

Long-Term Effect of Intermediate Rhinoplasty in Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity

Intermediate rhinoplasties are performed during preschool to reduce the patients' psychosocial burden. At our institution, limited dissection of the cartilages followed by suspension and interdomal sutures was performed through an alar rim incision on the cleft side to minimize the risk of iatrogenic nasal growth restriction. However, the long-term outcomes of "limited intermediate rhinoplasty" through skeletal growth are uncertain. A retrospective review of all unilateral complete cleft lip and/or palate patients who underwent definitive rhinoplasty was performed. To avoid the confounding effect of primary rhinoplasty, only the patients who did not receive primary rhinoplasty were included in the analysis. The maneuvers performed during definitive rhinoplasty were analyzed and compared between patients who underwent intermediate rhinoplasty and those who did not. A total of 60 Korean patients (27 female and 33 male) underwent definitive rhinoplasty at the average age of 20.6 years old (17.1-25.5). Forty-three (71.6%) patients previously underwent intermediate rhinoplasty. A combination of 6 maneuvers was performed based on the deformity of each subunit (alar medialization, interdomal with suspension sutures, nostril sill depression correction, septoplasty, osteotomy, and hump rasping). The average number of maneuvers performed during definitive rhinoplasty was significantly higher in the intermediate group (3.31 versus 2.1, P=0.012). Alar medialization and nostril sill depression correction were more frequently performed in the intermediate group, while the frequencies of other maneuvers were not statistically different. While intermediate rhinoplasty improves the patients' psychosocial well-being, the effects of "limited intermediate rhinoplasty" manipulating only the cartilages do not seem to last until skeletal maturity. A more comprehensive dissection allowing the release of the lower lateral cartilage in the hinge area along with septoplasty may be more effective in providing longer-lasting effects.

Comparative study on the effect of maxillary expansion on the displacement of maxillary alveolar bone before and after alveolar bone graft: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

This paper aimed to simulate and compare the effect of maxillary expansion on the displacement of maxillary alveolar bone before and after alveolar bone graft. On the established finite element model of the maxilla before bone grafting, ANSYS was used to simulate alveolar bone graft to form the model of maxilla after bone grafting. The same expansion force was applied to the two models, and the three-dimensional displacement of alveolar bone was observed and compared between them. Comparison of the three-dimensional displacement showed that expansion before bone grafting was significantly larger than that after bone grafting (P<0.05). For horizontal displacement, in the expansion group before bone grafting, the displacement was gradually decreased from anterior to posterior alveolar bone. In the expansion group after bone grafting, the displacement was gradually increased from anterior to posterior alveolar bone. Displacement of noncleft side alveolar bone was significantly larger than that of cleft side alveolar bone with maxillary expansion before and after alveolar bone graft (P<0.05). In terms of vertical displacement, the anteromedial alveolar bone moved downward and the posterolateral alveolar bone moved upward with maxillary expansion before and after alveolar bone graft. For sagittal displacement, the anteromedial alveolar bone moved forward and the posterolateral alveolar bone moved backward with maxillary expansion before alveolar bone graft. However, the movement trend was opposite with maxillary expansion after alveolar bone graft. The three-dimensional movement with maxillary expansion before alveolar bone graft is more obvious than that after bone grafting for patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Expander should be moved backward properly with maxillary expansion before alveolar bone graft and moved forward properly and cooperated with maxillary protraction with maxillary expansion after alveolar bone graft. Meanwhile, precaution must be taken in terms of asymmetric expansion and anterior open bite in operation.

Corrective Rhinoplasty Using Rib Cartilage for Patients with Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate

Corrective Rhinoplasty Using Rib Cartilage for Patients with Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate