Cleft lip and palate

Clefts of the lip and palate are generally divided into two groups, isolated cleft palate and cleft lip with or without cleft palate, representing a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting the lips and oral cavity. These defects arise in about 1.7 per 1000 liveborn babies, with ethnic and geographic variation. Effects on speech, hearing, appearance, and psychology can lead to longlasting adverse outcomes for health and social integration. Typically, children with these disorders need multidisciplinary care from birth to adulthood and have higher morbidity and mortality throughout life than do unaffected individuals. This Seminar describes embryological developmental processes, epidemiology, known environmental and genetic risk factors, and their interaction. Although access to care has increased in recent years, especially in developing countries, quality of care still varies substantially. Prevention is the ultimate objective for clefts of the lip and palate, and a prerequisite of this aim is to elucidate causes of the disorders. Technological advances and international collaborations have yielded some successes.

Management of severe maxillary deficiency in childhood and adolescence through distraction osteogenesis with an external, adjustable, rigid distraction device

We present our technique for maxillary distraction osteogenesis in patients with severe maxillary hypoplasia. With the use of an external, adjustable, rigid distraction device, we can now treat patients with severe maxillary hypoplasia with a precise and controlled distraction process, obtaining predictable results. This technique has allowed us to treat patients in all age groups. In this report we review our indications for maxillary distraction and describe our technique using an external, adjustable, rigid midface distraction device.

The psychosocial effects of cleft lip and palate: a systematic review

This systematic review examined the published scientific research on the psychosocial impact of cleft lip and palate (CLP) among children and adults. The primary objective of the review was to determine whether having CLP places an individual at greater risk of psychosocial problems. Studies that examined the psychosocial functioning of children and adults with repaired non-syndromal CLP were suitable for inclusion. The following sources were searched: Medline (January 1966-December 2003), CINAHL (January 1982-December 2003), Web of Science (January 1981-December 2003), PsycINFO (January 1887-December 2003), the reference section of relevant articles, and hand searches of relevant journals. There were 652 abstracts initially identified through database and other searches. On closer examination of these, only 117 appeared to meet the inclusion criteria. The full text of these papers was examined, with only 64 articles finally identified as suitable for inclusion in the review. Thirty of the 64 studies included a control group. The studies were longitudinal, cross-sectional, or retrospective in nature.Overall, the majority of children and adults with CLP do not appear to experience major psychosocial problems, although some specific problems may arise. For example, difficulties have been reported in relation to behavioural problems, satisfaction with facial appearance, depression, and anxiety. A few differences between cleft types have been found in relation to self-concept, satisfaction with facial appearance, depression, attachment, learning problems, and interpersonal relationships. With a few exceptions, the age of the individual with CLP does not appear to influence the occurrence or severity of psychosocial problems. However, the studies lack the uniformity and consistency required to adequately summarize the psychosocial problems resulting from CLP.

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding in infants with cleft lip and palate

Presurgical infant orthopedics has been employed since the 1950s as an adjunctive neonatal therapy for the correction of cleft lip and palate. In this paper, we present a paradigm shift from the traditional methods of presurgical infant orthopedics. Some of the problems that the traditional approach failed to address include the deformity of the nasal cartilages in unilateral as well as bilateral clefts of the lip and palate and the deficiency of columella tissue in infants with bilateral clefts. The nasoalveolar molding (NAM) technique we describe uses acrylic nasal stents attached to the vestibular shield of an oral molding plate to mold the nasal alar cartilages into normal form and position during the neonatal period. This technique takes advantage of the malleability of immature cartilage and its ability to maintain a permanent correction of its form. In addition, we demonstrate the ability to nonsurgically construct the columella through the application of tissue expansion principles. This construction is performed by gradual elongation of the nasal stents and the application of tissue-expanding elastic forces that are applied to the prolabium. Use of the NAM technique has eliminated surgical columella reconstruction and the resultant scar tissue from the standard of care in this cleft palate center.

The Eurocleft project 1996-2000: overview

INTRODUCTION

The original Eurocleft project, a European intercentre comparison study, revealed dramatic differences in outcome, which were a powerful stimulus for improvement in the services of respective teams. The study developed a preliminary methodology to compare practices and the potential for wider European collaboration including opportunities for the promotion of clinical trials and intercentre comparison was recognized by the European Commission. Therefore, the project: 'Standards of Care for Cleft Lip and Palate in Europe: Eurocleft' ran between 1996 and 2000 and aimed to promote a broad uplift in the quality of care and research in the area of cleft lip and palate.

RESULTS

The results of the 1996-2000 project include: a register of services in Europe, with details of professionals and teams involved in cleft care, service organization, clinical protocols and special facilities for research; a set of common Policy Statements governing clinical practice for European cleft teams, Practice Guidelines describing minimum recommendations for care that all European children with clefts should be entitled to and recommendations for Documentation governing minimum records that cleft teams should maintain; encouraging initial efforts to compare outcomes (results) of care between centres. A survey showed a wide diversity in models of care and national policies as well as clinical practices in Europe. Of the 201 centres that registered with the network, the survey showed 194 different protocols being followed for only unilateral clefts.

CONCLUSION

Cleft services, treatment and research have undoubtedly suffered from haphazard development across Europe. Attainment of even minimum standards of care remains a major challenge in some communities and both the will to reform and a basic strategy to follow are overdue. It is hoped that the Eurocleft Consensus Recommendations reached during the present project will assist in improving the opportunities for tomorrow's patients. It is also hoped that the collaborative research now beginning under the European Commission's Framework V Programme will provide a focus for European researchers wishing to improve understanding, treatment and prevention of clefts of the lip, alveolus and palate in the years ahead.

Long-term results after secondary bone grafting of alveolar clefts

The aim of this study was longitudinally to evaluate the treatment results after secondary bone grafting in 224 cleft patients with an observation period of more than four years. The patients were divided into three groups according to age and eruption stage of the canine at the time of surgery. Group A included 94 patients with a mean age of 10 years, operated before eruption of the canine; group B included 72 patients with a mean age of 13.1 years operated after eruption of the canine; and group C included 58 patients operated after the age of 16 years (mean age, 20.4 years). The evaluation of the treatment results included longitudinal comparison of marginal bone level, periodontal status on cleft-related teeth, dental status in the bone grafted region, esthetical and functional properties of the reconstructed alveolar process, as well as the influence on growth of the maxilla. The marginal bone level was found to be significantly higher among unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) patients in the youngest groups as compared to the other groups. The number of UCLP and BCLP patients who could be treated without bridgework was significantly higher in the youngest age group than in the other groups, as were the esthetic and functional properties of the reconstructed alveolar process. External root resorption occurred in 17 patients in groups B and C. No influence of the procedure on sagittal growth of the maxilla could be demonstrated, whereas the anterior facial height was reduced.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Primary correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity: a 10-year review

A 10-year follow-up of patients who underwent primary correction of their cleft lip nasal deformity is presented. These are the first 10 consecutive patients who were treated following a change in treatment plan in 1973. Primary correction of the cleft lip nasal deformity essentially consists in elevating the displaced alar cartilage at the time of lip repair. There has been no interference with nasal growth, and the position of the alar cartilages and nasal tip has been maintained.

Early cleft palate repair and speech outcome

Speech production and age at palatal repair were investigated in 80 cleft palate children. Children whose palates were repaired prior to the onset of speech production demonstrated significantly better speech than those whose palates were repaired between 12 and 27 months of age. The supposition that earlier palatal repair results in more normal speech development was, in fact, demonstrated in these cases. Rather than using chronologic age alone as the deciding factor in determining timing of initial palatal repair, the stage of each child's phonemic development should be considered if maximum speech potential is to be achieved and if speech development is to parallel normal noncleft peers. Determining this stage of development through early speech and language evaluations, beginning at 6 months of age, thus becomes an essential component in the habilitation of children with cleft palate. Continued research is needed to ensure against giving the obtainment of early speech normalcy disproportionate emphasis over craniofacial growth considerations. To this end, continued cooperative research between surgeons and speech pathologists is imperative in order to base these important decisions on substantiated findings.

A six-center international study of treatment outcome in patients with clefts of the lip and palate: Part 5. General discussion and conclusions

Part 5 is the final part of a series of five articles reporting on an international, multicenter clinical audit of treatment outcome for complete UCLP. A number of recommendations for the methodology of future studies is made especially with respect to entry criteria, sample size, assumptions of homogeneity, and the reproducibility and validity of outcome measures. The findings of the present study regarding clinical procedures are presented tentatively, and improvement and extension of the methodology are required. It appears, however, that acceptable results can be achieved by different programs and ultimately clinical choices may be based on factors such as complexity, costs, and demands of treatment. Standardization, centralization, and the participation of high volume operators were associated with good outcomes, and nonstandardization and the participation of low volume operators with poor outcomes. Therapeutic factors associated with good outcomes were the employment of a vomer flap to close the anterior palate, and poor outcomes with primary bone grafting and with active presurgical orthopedics.

Primary correction of the unilateral cleft lip nose: a 15-year experience

This paper reviews a 15-year personal experience based on 400 unilateral cleft nasal deformities that were reconstructed using a method that repositions the alar cartilage by freeing it from the skin and lining and shifts it to a new position. The rotation-advancement lip procedure facilitates the exposure and approach to the nasal reconstruction. The nasal soft tissues are transected from the skeletal base, reshaped, repositioned, and secured by using temporary stent sutures that readapt the alar cartilage, skin, and lining. The nasal floor is closed and the ala base is positioned to match the normal side. Good subsequent growth with maintenance of the reconstruction has been noted in this series. The repair does not directly expose or suture the alar cartilage. Improvement in the cleft nasal deformity is noted in 80 percent of the cases. Twenty percent require additional techniques to achieve the desired symmetry. This method has been used by the author as his primary unilateral cleft nasal repair and has been taught to residents and fellows under his direction with good results. This technique eliminates the severe cleft nasal deformity seen in many secondary cases.

Improved primary surgical and dental treatment of clefts

The improved combination of surgical and dental teamwork in the primary treatment of clefts presented here is consistent with principles. In fact, this is a staged design for correction of classic clefts of the lip and palate that, based on biological principles, facilitates the continuance of the failed embryonic "migrations" toward a normal end point. Positioning of the alveolar segments, dissection of mucoperiosteum out of the cleft, and union of mucoperiosteum across the alveolar and anterior hard palate cleft make it possible to create a periosteal tunnel across the bony gap and set up a condition conducive to bone formation and eventual tooth eruption in the cleft area. Lip closure by adhesion reduces the tension of the primary lip closure and allows gentle molding until solidification of the arch occurs. Thus a complete cleft has been rendered an incomplete cleft. With a balanced, stabilized maxillary platform, the definitive lip and nose corrections can be carried to completion early (by 2 to 4 years of age). These planned actions bypass a persistent cleft, fistulas, raw areas, malposition of alveolar segments, and probably the necessity for later bone grafting. The only question not totally answered is the effect of this approach on final growth. Although most reports seem to indicate that growth has and will proceed within normal limits, another 10 years of careful follow-up is indicated and, in fact, is in progress.

The progressive changes of nasal symmetry and growth after nasoalveolar molding: a three-year follow-up study

The purpose of this study was to assess the progressive changes of nasal symmetry, growth, and relapse after presurgical nasoalveolar molding and primary cheiloplasty in unilateral complete cleft lip/palate infants. Twenty-five consecutive complete unilateral cleft lip/palate infants were included. All the infants underwent nasoalveolar molding before primary cheiloplasty. Standard 1:1 ratio basilar photographs were taken before and after nasoalveolar molding, 1 week after cheiloplasty, and yearly for 3 years. Linear measurements were made directly on the photographs. The results of this study revealed that the nasal asymmetry was significantly improved after nasoalveolar molding and was further corrected to symmetry after primary cheiloplasty. After the primary cheiloplasty, the nasal asymmetry significantly relapsed in the first year postoperatively and then remained stable and well afterward. The relapse was the result of a significant differential growth between the cleft and noncleft sides in the first year postoperatively. To compensate for relapse and differential growth, the authors recommend (1) narrowing down the alveolar cleft as well as possible by nasoalveolar molding, (2) overcorrecting the nasal vertical dimension surgically, and (3) maintaining the surgical results using a nasal conformer.

Reverse-U incision for secondary repair of cleft lip nose

We describe a reverse-U incision for the secondary repair of cleft lip nose deformity. With it, the desired correction, for the various types of deformity, is easy to achieve--especially in the snub nose. Wide subcutaneous undermining in the lower half of the nose results in a subcutaneous layer of fibrosis. We believe this scar layer is more important in holding the ala in the corrected position than is any direct surgical attack on the underdeveloped cartilage itself.

Development of a method for rating nasolabial appearance in patients with clefts of the lip and palate

Comparison of the outcome of treatment of patients with clefts of the lip and palate can yield valuable pointers for discriminating between beneficial and harmful procedures. The development of a standardized rating scheme to assess the facial appearance of these patients is described. The rating scheme can be used in conjunction with conventional cephalometric analysis and dental arch evaluation. A method is described in which the nasolabial area is masked, thus reducing the influence of the surrounding facial features since it is shown that judges are influenced by general facial attractiveness. An ordinal scale has been evaluated in which four features of the nose and lip are assessed separately and in total by a panel of judges. The nasolabial profile, the nasal symmetry, the nasal form, and vermilion border were assessed using a 5-point scale. Acceptable pooled levels of reliability and reproducibility were obtained. This standardized rating system may be used to differentiate treatment outcome in patients from different treatment centers.

Presurgical nasoalveolar orthopedic molding in primary correction of the nose, lip, and alveolus of infants born with unilateral and bilateral clefts

This addendum to the "State of the Art Dental Treatment of Predental and Infant Patients With Clefts and Craniofacial Anomalies," by Prahl-Andersen (Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2000;37:528532), offers an extended perspective on this controversial subject. This article reviews the role of combined nasal and alveolar (nasoalveolar) molding in the primary correction of the nose, lip, and alveolus of infants born with unilateral and bilateral clefts. The background of presurgical nasoalveolar orthopedic molding, the technique, and the literature are presented. The proposed benefits of treatment from the traditional techniques of presurgical orthopedics have been shown to be unsubstantiated (Kuijpers-Jagtman and Prahl, 1996). A close comparison of the proposed benefits of earlier forms of presurgical orthopedics, along with those of the current technique of nasoalveolar molding, is presented.

Long-term skeletal stability after maxillary advancement with distraction osteogenesis using a rigid external distraction device in cleft maxillary deformities

Rigid external distraction is a highly effective technique for correction of maxillary hypoplasia in patients with orofacial clefts. The clinical results after correction of sagittal maxillary deformities in both the adult and pediatric age groups have been stable. The purpose of this retrospective longitudinal cephalometric study was to review the long-term stability of the repositioned maxilla in cleft patients who underwent maxillary advancement with rigid external distraction. Between April 1, 1995, and April 1, 1999, 17 consecutive patients with cleft maxillary hypoplasia underwent maxillary advancement using rigid external distraction. There were 13 male patients and four female patients, with ages ranging from 5.2 to 23.6 years (mean, 12.6 years). After a modified complete high Le Fort I osteotomy and a latency period of 3 to 5 days, patients underwent maxillary advancement with rigid external distraction until proper facial convexity and dental overjet and overbite were obtained. After active distraction, a 3- to 4-week period of rigid retention was undertaken; this was followed by removable elastic retention for 6 to 8 weeks using, during sleep time, an orthodontic protraction face mask. Cephalometric radiographs were obtained preoperatively, after distraction, at 1 year after distraction, and 2 or more years after distraction. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years (minimum, 2.1 years; maximum, 5.3 years). The following measurements were obtained in each cephalogram: three linear horizontal and two linear vertical maxillary measurements, two angular craniomaxillary measurements, and one craniomandibular measurement. Differences between the preoperative and postoperative cephalometric values were analyzed by paired t tests (p < 0.05). The cephalometric analysis demonstrated postoperatively significant advancement of the maxilla. In addition, the mandibular plane angle opened 1.2 degrees after surgery. After the 1- to 3-year follow-up period, the maxilla was stable in the sagittal plane. Minimal anteroposterior growth was observed in the maxilla compared with that exhibited in the anterior cranial base. However, there was significant vertical maxillary growth over the 3-year observation period. The mandibular plane angle tended to decrease during the follow-up period. The cephalometric data from this study support the clinical impression of maxillary stability after maxillary advancement with rigid external distraction in cleft patients. This effective and stable technique is now considered for all pediatric patients with severe cleft maxillary hypoplasia and for adolescent and adult patients with moderate to severe deformities.

Evaluation of esthetic, functional, and quality-of-life outcome in adult cleft lip and palate patients

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of esthetic, functional, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes in adult patients with a repaired cleft lip and palate. The treatment for all patients was based on the so-called Vienna concept.

PATIENTS/DESIGN

Seventy adult patients with a repaired complete cleft lip and palate, ranging in age from 18 to 30 years, were included in the study. Esthetic and functional outcomes were assessed by the patients themselves and by five experts using a visual analog scale. Patients also completed the MOS Short-Form 36 questionnaire to evaluate health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Patients rated their esthetic outcome significantly worse than the experts did. No significant differences were observed in the ratings for function. Female patients, especially, were dissatisfied with their esthetic outcomes. In a personal interview, nearly 63% of them asked for further treatment, particularly for upper-lip and nose corrections. The health-related quality-of-life questionnaire revealed low scores for only two subscales, namely social functioning and emotional role. In most subscales of health-related quality of life, patients who desired further treatment had significantly lower scores than did patients who desired no further treatment.

CONCLUSION

Surgery of the lip and nose appears to be of prime importance for patients with a cleft lip and palate. Cleft patients who do not request secondary treatment are not always satisfied with the treatment. Patients with realistic expectations in regard to further treatment should be treated by specialists, whereas those with unrealistic expectations should be referred to a clinical psychologist.

Frequency of Le Fort I Osteotomy after Repaired Cleft Lip and Palate or Cleft Palate

Objective:

Diminished maxillary growth is a consequence of labiopalatal repair, and many patients with cleft lip and palate require Le Fort I advancement. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of maxillary hypoplasia as measured by need for Le Fort I.

Subjects:

Retrospective cohort study of males born before 1987 and females before 1989. Records of 173 patients with cleft lip and palate and 34 with cleft palate were reviewed.

Methods:

Documented age, gender, cleft type, and need for Le Fort I. Pearson chi-square and Fischer's exact analyses were performed to evaluate the frequency of Le Fort I.

Results:

Of 217 patients with cleft lip and palate or cleft palate, 40 were syndromic; of the remaining 177 patients, 69 had cleft lip, 78 had cleft lip and palate, and 30 had cleft palate. Thirty-seven of 177 patients (20.9%) required Le Fort I, subcategorized by cleft type: 0/69 for cleft lip, 37/78 for cleft lip and palate, and 0/35 for cleft palate (p < .0001). Of the 37/78 (47.4%) cleft lip and palate patients, the frequency of Le Fort I correlated with severity: 5/22 unilateral incomplete cleft lip and palate; 16/33 unilateral complete cleft lip and palate; 1/2 bilateral incomplete cleft lip and palate; 2/4 bilateral asymmetric complete/incomplete cleft lip and palate; 13/17 bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (p < .05).

Conclusion:

Overall frequency of Le Fort I was 20.9% in patients with cleft lip and palate and cleft palate. Of those with cleft lip and palate, 47.7% required maxillary advancement, but none with isolated cleft lip or cleft palate required correction. Frequency of Le Fort I osteotomy correlated with the spectrum of severity of labiopalatal clefting.

Psychological outcomes amongst cleft patients and their families

Our aims were to determine the psychological status of a sample of cleft lip and palate patients and their parents using standardised interviews and to assess subjects' satisfaction with cleft treatment. In all, 242 interviews of 112 patients and 130 parents were carried out in nine base hospitals used for cleft treatment. 73% (n = 38) of 15- and 20-year-old subjects felt their self-confidence had been very much affected as a result of their cleft. 60% of all 112 interviewed patients were teased about speech or cleft related features. A significant minority of 15-year-old subjects (23%, n = 7) felt excluded from treatment planning decisions. Despite high levels of overall satisfaction with cleft care, 60% (n = 78) of parents and 37% (n = 41) of interviewed patients made suggestions for improvements. No agreement between parent/child pairs for their satisfaction with clinical outcome of cleft related features was found using the weighted kappa statistic to determine the level of agreement. Differences between parents' and their child's satisfaction ratings for cleft related features were not statistically significant except for the ratings for 'lip' (P < 0.005) and 'teeth' (P < 0.05) for 15-year-old subjects (Wilcoxon signed rank sum test). Patients' views on planned treatment should therefore be independently sought from their parents' views, as no agreement was found within the groups for perceived satisfaction with clinical outcome. This study demonstrates the importance of identifying 'psychological outcome' as well as 'clinical outcome' in order to improve rehabilitation for cleft lip and palate patients. Seven families were referred for counselling for cleft-associated emotional problems as a result of this survey.

Late results of primary veloplasty: the Marburg Project

Forty-five randomly selected patients with unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate, all operated upon by Dr. Wolfram Schweckendiek were evaluated by three American specialists to assess the validity of primary veloplasty. Examination revealed an unusually high incidence of short palate and poor mobility of the soft palate. Facial growth was found to be highly acceptable in the majority of the patients. Unusually high incidence of velopharyngeal incompetence was found in these patients.

Reconstruction of alveolar clefts with mandibular or iliac crest bone grafts: a comparative study

The aim of this study was to compare the results of treatment obtained with mandibular symphyseal and iliac crest bone grafts used for reconstruction of alveolar clefts. The study included 40 patients with unilateral cleft lip palate (UCLP): 20 consecutive patients whose defects were reconstructed with mandibular bone grafts (MBG) and 20 randomly selected UCLP patients who underwent reconstruction with iliac crest bone (ICB). The age at surgery varied from 8 to 13 years (mean age MBG group, 9.1 years; ICB group, 10.3 years), and the postoperative observation period varied from 12 to 33 months (mean, 19 months). Transverse expansion of the maxilla was not completed until after the bone grafting in the group of patients receiving MBGs, whereas it was completed before surgery in the ICB group. The observed marginal bone level on cleft-related teeth was similar in both groups. No periodontal complications were present in any of the patients, and the amount of attached gingiva was similar in both groups. In the MBG group, 15% of the canines were retained, whereas 20% of the canines were retained in the ICB group. The only complication that developed was in a patient from the MBG group, in whom a partial dehiscence of the donor site was observed. The results of this study demonstrate that reconstruction of alveolar clefts with MBG or ICB has a comparable prognosis. The use of MBGs in these patients has several advantages compared with ICB, including reduced operating time, reduced morbidity, reduced hospitalization time, and finally, a cutaneous scar at the iliac crest can be avoided.