Iliac apophyseal cartilage augmentation of the deficient piriform rim and maxilla in alveolar cleft grafting

This article presents a new approach to cleft lip and cleft palate repair, where the retained bulk of alveolar cleft grafts is augmented by simultaneous cartilage augmentation of the deficient maxilla. Nine patients who provided 10 cleft sites underwent secondary bone grafting of the clefted alveolus by this technique. This study evaluates the following: (1) the postoperative esthetic results, (2) the quantity of bone in the grafted area, and (3) the provision of bone support for unerupted teeth, for teeth adjacent to the cleft, and for orthodontic tooth movement when the secondary bone grafting of the cleft is integrated with the onlay augmentation of the deficient maxilla. Photographic and radiographic investigations were undertaken. The photographic evaluation showed that all patients exhibited improved facial esthetics in the area of the cleft, particularly in the paranasal area of the maxilla; improved alar base Support, symmetry of the columella, and less deviation of the tip of the nose were seen. The radiographic evaluation indicated the following: (1) the average percentage of the alveolar bone height of the grafted area was equal to 76% of the normal side; (2) nine canines erupted or were erupting through the grafted area; there were no adequate records to evaluate the fate of the remaining canine; (3) no teeth involved in the cleft area were ankylosed, because of inadequate records, so evaluators could not determine the status of one tooth; (4) all patients had adequate quantity of bone for orthodontic tooth movement through the grafted area; and (5) the periodontal support of the teeth involved in the cleft was adequate.