Maxillary distraction complications in cleft patients

Helical distraction is superior to linear and circular distraction in mandibular distraction osteogenesis: an in silico study

Helical mandibular distraction is theoretically better than linear or circular distraction. However, it is not known whether this more complex treatment will result in unquestionably better outcomes. Therefore, the best attainable outcomes of mandibular distraction osteogenesis were evaluated in silico, given the constraints of linear, circular, and helical motion. This cross-sectional kinematic study included 30 patients with mandibular hypoplasia who had been treated with distraction, or to whom this treatment had been recommended. Demographic information and the computed tomography (CT) scans showing the baseline deformity were collected. The CT scans of each patient were segmented and three-dimensional models of the face created. Then, the ideal distraction outcomes were simulated. Next, the most favorable helical, circular, and linear distraction movements were calculated. Finally, errors were measured: misalignment of key mandibular landmarks, misalignment of the occlusion, and changes in intercondylar distance. Helical distraction produced trivial errors. In contrast, circular and linear distractions resulted in errors that were statistically and clinically significant. Helical distraction also preserved the planned intercondylar distance, while circular and linear distractions led to unwanted changes in the intercondylar distance. It is now evident that helical distraction offers a new strategy to improve the outcomes of mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Long-term follow-up of early cleft maxillary distraction

Background

Most of cleft lip and palate patients have the esthetic and functional problems of midfacial deficiencies due to innate developmental tendency and scar tissues from repeated operations. In these cases, maxillary protraction is required for the harmonious facial esthetics and functional occlusion.

Case presentation

A 7-year old boy had been diagnosed as severe maxillary constriction due to unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. The author tried to correct the secondary deformity by early distraction osteogenesis with the aim of avoiding marked psychological impact from peers of elementary school. From 1999 to 2006, repeated treatments, which consisted of Le Fort I osteotomy and face mask distraction, and complementary maxillary protraction using miniplates were performed including orthodontics. But, final facial profile was not satisfactory, which needs compromising surgery.

Conclusions

The result of this study suggests that if early distraction treatment is performed before facial skeletal growth is completed, an orthognathic surgery or additional distraction may be needed later. Maxillofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeons should notify this point when they plan early distraction treatment for cleft maxillary deformity.

Simultaneous options for cleft secondary deformities

INTRODUCTION

So much has been written by so many about secondary procedures in cleft surgery that testify not only the complexity and variable expression of cleft deformity itself but also the need to find methods of primary surgery that will reduce, if not avoid, adverse effects on all the structures and functions involved and affected. It must be the principal aim of cleft surgeon to restore the deformed and displaced regional anatomy to as close to normality as possible, whether or not true hypoplasia exists. The pathogenesis of secondary deformities is related to specific features as: the presence of scar tissues into the cleft basal bone area, that inhibits alveolar growth; scarring of palatal soft tissue, that inhibits growth and causes palatal orientation of dentoalveolar elements; and the exceeding lip tension, that may inhibits maxillary growth along dentoalveolar structures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2008 to 2011 at the Department of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Santo Spirito Hospital, Rome 25 patients (21 males and 4 females) who had undergone previous surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) were enrolled in our study. Diagnosis of deformity was made by means of a cephalometric and photographic analysis (Arnett), gipsometry and a radiological assessment (orthopantomography, lateral and frontal cephalometric X-rays). Moreover, every patient was studied with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tomography, TMJ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a computerized gnatography to better evaluate potential TMJ dysfunctions. The surgical procedures adopted simultaneously were: Total or segmental maxillomandibular osteotomies, genioplasty, rhinoplasty, labioplasty, and application of facial prosthesis. Every patient received a postoperative questionnaire to evaluate his/her satisfaction with the surgery performed.

RESULTS

The surgical procedures adopted were Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) in 16 patients (65%) and only Le Fort I osteotomy in 9 patients (35%). A relapse of malformation occurred in 4.5% of cases. Concerning the patient questionnaire, 96% of patients were satisfied with the jaw surgery and favorable for combined surgery, 88% were satisfied with lip-nose surgery, and finally 76% would advise to a friend.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous correction of the deformities is indicated as to avoid several surgical distresses for the patient, to improve facial aesthetic and function in one surgical step, and to reduce risk of psychological consequences.

Columellar flap for secondary cleft rhinoplasty with esthetic improvement of Millard's unilateral cheiloplasty scar

INTRODUCTION

Columellar cartilage graft helps improve esthetic results in secondary cleft rhinoplasty for patients presenting with cleft lips. However, inadequate skin coverage of the cartilaginous graft can result in columellar necrosis and graft loss. Moreover, the scar after Millard's primary cheiloplasty may not be esthetic. The aim of this article was to present the columellar flap technique to cover the columellar graft and to improve the scar after unilateral Millard's cheiloplasty.

TECHNICAL NOTE

The triangular flap is drawn on the edge of Millard's cheiloplasty scar. It is then moved in a V-Y fashion so as to cover the cartilaginous graft and improve the esthetic aspect of the new columella.

DISCUSSION

Four hundred and twelve teenage/adult rhinoplasties were performed in our department over 10 years (October 2001 to October 2011). This flap was used in 10 patients who were followed-up for at least 1 year. There were no severe postoperative complications. Millard's unilateral cheiloplasty scar was less visible. A prospective study is ongoing.