Correction of the vestibular web during primary repair of unilateral cleft lip

Alar Asymmetry in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip: Implications for Secondary Rhinoplasty

OBJECTIVE

Alar asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip (UCL) nasal deformity is a well-recognized clinical feature. However, there is a lack of comprehensive quantitative analysis of this asymmetry. This study compares the shape, volume, and axis rotation between the cleft and non-cleft ala in skeletally mature patients with UCL.

DESIGN

A retrospective comparative study utilizing three-dimensional rendered CT scans.

SETTING

Tertiary care pediatric institution.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS

This study included 18 patients with UCL nasal deformity at skeletal maturity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Cleft and non-cleft side ala volume, surface area, and axis to the midsagittal plane.

RESULTS

The cleft-side ala was significantly lesser in volume by 27.3%, significantly lesser in surface area by 17.6%, and significantly greater in surface area to volume ratio by 14.6% than the non-cleft ala. The cleft-side ala was significantly greater by 43.1% horizontal axis to the midsagittal plane. In patients with primary rhinoplasty, the cleft-side ala had 28.0% less volume and 18.7% less surface area. In intermediate rhinoplasty, the cleft-side ala had 39.1% less volume and 23.5% less surface area than the non-cleft ala.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant asymmetry exists between the cleft-side and non-cleft ala in patients with UCL. The cleft-side ala is significantly smaller in volume and surface area than the non-cleft ala. Additionally, the cleft-side ala demonstrates a significantly greater horizontal axis that contributes considerably to nasal asymmetry, supporting the need to restore a normal vertical axis to the clef-side ala.

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 (6-31 mo). 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.

Presurgical Orthopedic Intervention Prior to Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Nasoalveolar Molding Versus Passive Molding Appliance Therapy

BACKGROUND

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a widely used presurgical orthopedic device, despite disputes over its effectiveness. This study compares the outcomes after cleft lip and nose repair in patients who received NAM versus those who underwent passive alveolar molding with lip taping.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who received either NAM (n = 16) or passive molding (n = 10) treatments was conducted. Alveolar gap width was measured on maxillary casts until time of palatoplasty. Nasolabial symmetry was assessed by examining anthropometric ratios on post-operative three-dimensional photographs. Burden of care was evaluated by analyzing the number of patient appointments attended, treatment costs, and caregiver satisfaction surveys.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference existed in alveolar gap at time of initial appointment or palatoplasty, however the gap was smaller in the NAM cohort at time of lip and nose repair. No statistically significant difference existed in postsurgical heminasal width, nostril width, nostril height, labial height or nasal ala projection asymmetry between the NAM and the passive molding cohort. Patients in the NAM group attended more dental appointments and incurred higher treatment costs compared to the passive molding group. Caregivers reported high satisfaction with treatment outcomes in both cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no differences between NAM and passive molding regarding postsurgical nasolabial appearance and patient satisfaction. Both treatments narrow the alveolar gap. However, NAM places a higher burden of care on families.

The Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity: Revisions within 20 Years after Primary Correction

BACKGROUND

As patients grow older, the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity becomes more noticeable than the repaired lip. The authors assessed nasal revisions over 20 years of the senior author's management of unilateral complete cleft lip.

METHODS

One hundred patients who underwent primary two-stage nasolabial correction of unilateral complete cleft lip between 1991 and 2001 were reviewed.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 21 years at the time of analysis. Only 13 percent of patients did not require nasal revision after primary nasolabial repair. One to two nasal revisions were undertaken in 65 percent of patients. The extent of nasal maneuvers during primary labial repair was associated with the number of revisions. Recently treated patients had fewer revisions. Female patients were more likely to undergo several revisions. Of patients who had semiopen suspension sutures at primary repair, 61 percent had this maneuver repeated two or more times. In contrast, patients who had closed suspension sutures at primary repair underwent more nasal revisions and later required more nasal maneuvers. Nasal revision before skeletal maturity was significantly associated with another nasal revision after completion of skeletal growth. Twenty-seven percent of patients eventually required an aesthetic or functional rhinoplasty in adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a severe initial nasal deformity require multiple revisions. Semiopen suspension sutures are associated with fewer revisions. Revision of the nasal cartilages or alar base can often be performed in the intermediate phase, in combination with other operations.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Photogrammetric Outcomes of Primary Nasal Correction in Unilateral Cleft Lip Patients: Early Childhood Results From a Single Surgeon's Experience

BACKGROUND

Concerns of nonlasting results and potential nasal growth damage precluded cleft nasal correction at the time of initial cleft lip repair. Our goal was to evaluate the outcome of primary cleft nasal correction in our patients with unilateral cleft lip.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with complete and incomplete unilateral cleft lip who underwent primary cleft nasal correction from 2010 to 2017 by the same surgeon was performed. The cleft-to-noncleft nostril height, width, one-fourth medial part of nostril height, nasal sill height, and nostril area ratios, as well as inner nostril height-to-width ratios were determined from standard basilar view photographs taken in different time points (T1, <3 months; T2, 3-12 months; T3, 12-36 months; and T4, >36 months after surgery). A 5-point visual analog scale (1 = worst, 5 = best) was used to assess each patient's nose appearance.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were identified (66.7% male, 51.3% with a complete cleft lip). Average visual analog scale scores T1-T4 were 3.88 ± 0.85, 3.72 ± 0.93, 3.54 ± 0.99, and 3.40 ± 0.71, respectively. Intraclass correlation ranged from 0.61 to 0.94. A significant decrease [mean difference (SD)] was found for cleft-to-noncleft nostril width ratio [0.15 (0.18)] from T1 to T2, and an increase for one-fourth medial height ratio [-0.09 (0.07)] and for inner nostril height-to-width ratio in the noncleft side [-0.23 (0.25)] from T1 to T3. Thirteen patients required secondary surgical revision.

CONCLUSION

Based on photogrammetry, primary cleft nasal correction in our patients with unilateral cleft lip achieved acceptable and stable outcomes during early childhood.

Primary Cleft Rhinoplasty: Surgical Outcomes and Complications Using Three Techniques for Unilateral Cleft Lip Nose Repair

BACKGROUND

This study represents a single surgeon's 10 years of experience addressing unilateral cleft lip and palate nose deformity. The purpose was to compare surgical outcomes and related complications using 3 different techniques to improve nasal shape in primary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty.

METHODS

This retrospective study with Institutional Ethical Committee approval compares 3 groups of patients with unilateral cleft lip nose and palate who were operated on using different techniques from 2007 to 2017. Surgical outcomes were analyzed by physical examination at least 1 year after primary rhinoplasty. Anthropometric measurements were obtained for the cleft and noncleft sides of the nose.

RESULTS

Approach with general analysis indicated differences among the 3 techniques. The author's comparative study revealed differences in nose symmetry and related complications, including increased recurrence of nose deformity using the modified McComb technique. Better short-term nose symmetry was observed using Potter technique and the V-Y-Z rhinoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Potter approach and the V-Y-Z techniques achieve better short-term nose symmetry than the McComb method. Complications were less common in the group of patients operated on using the modified McComb technique. Additional studies are required to evaluate functional and long-term outcomes after primary rhinoplasty using the proposed methods.

Nasolabial Revisions in Unilateral Incomplete Cleft Lip: One Surgeon's 28-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

Repair of unilateral incomplete cleft lip is the surgeon's opportunity to achieve a superior result with few revisions.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of consecutive patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip, defined as a defect extending 30 to 90 percent of cutaneous labial height, treated between 1985 and 2013 by one surgeon. Rates and types of revisions were collected, and photographs of patients who did not have a revision were reviewed to determine whether a revision was needed.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty-seven percent needed revision of the mucosal free margin; less than 10 percent needed other minor labial revisions. Fifteen percent required a nasal revision, most commonly reelevation of the lower lateral cartilage. Over time, the only statistically significant change in frequency was increased revisions of the free border.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal revision rates are low in unilateral incomplete cleft lip compared to complete forms in previously published data by the senior author (J.B.M.). In contrast, labial revisions of the free margin are more common. The reason is that the surgeon became more cognizant of vermilion-mucosal deficiency on the noncleft side and more likely to offer a submucosal flap or dermis-fat graft to level the lip for normal upper incisor show.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity: Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Primary Deformity and Longitudinal Changes following Primary Correction of the Nasal Foundation

BACKGROUND

Objective assessment of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity and the longitudinal changes with treatment is critical for optimizing cleft care.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing cleft lip repair and foundation-based rhinoplasty were included (n = 102). Three-dimensional images preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 5 years of age were assessed and compared to age-matched controls. Images were normalized to standard horizontal, craniocaudal, and anteroposterior axes.

RESULTS

Cleft subalare was similar in position relative to controls but was 1.6 mm retrodisplaced. Subnasale was deviated 4.6 mm lateral to midline and had the greatest displacement of any landmark. Noncleft subalare was displaced 2.3 mm laterally. Regression analysis with deviation of subnasale from the midline as a dependent variable revealed progressive lateral displacement of noncleft subalare, narrowing of noncleft nostril, and intercanthal widening. Surgery corrected nasal base displacements along all axes, resulting in landmark positions similar to controls. Symmetry of nasal base correction persisted at 5-year follow-up, with no recurrent cleft alar base retrusion, regardless of initial cleft type.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity may be "driven" by displacement of the anterior nasal spine and caudal septum. The cleft alar base is normal in position but retruded, whereas the noncleft alar base is displaced laterally. Changes with surgery involve anterior movement of the cleft alar base but also include medial movement of the noncleft alar base and columella. Symmetry of correction, including alar base retrusion, was stable over time and did not rely on alveolar bone grafting.

Primary unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity repair using V-Y-Z plasty: An anthropometric study

Background:

Secondary nose deformity after unilateral cleft lip repair is a common problem. Loss of tip projection on the cleft side of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity can be difficult to correct due to lack of adequate support. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcome after using V-Y-Z plasty to address unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of one surgeon's outcome of 58 performed primary complete unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity repairs. All these patients met the study criterion of having anthropometric measurements at the cleft and non-cleft side of the nose performed at least 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

Since 2012, 32 consecutive patients have undergone primary anatomical repair of the cleft nasal deformity in patients with a complete unilateral cleft. We have not found statistically significant differences between the cleft and non-cleft nostril dome height and columella length measured at least 1 year postoperatively.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that the V-Y-Z plasty is a good alternative to create a more symmetric nasal tip in patients with primary unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Additional studies are required to evaluate functional and long-term outcomes after primary rhinoplasty in patients with unilateral cleft lip.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Alar Transfixion Suture for the Correction of a Vestibular Web and Alar-Facial Groove: A Photogrammetric Analysis

BACKGROUND

Alar transfixion sutures are commonly used for vestibular web correction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of the use of alar transfixion sutures in patients with a unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using photogrammetric analysis.

METHODS

The study included 42 patients who were divided into child and adult groups. A total of 4 measurement items were evaluated from a basal view by photogrammetry using standardized clinical photographic techniques preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

When the preoperative and last postoperative values were compared, no significant changes in any measurement items were noted in the adult group. In the child group, the proportional index (the ratio of the cleft side to the noncleft side) of the alar slope line inclination was significantly increased, but other measurement items showed no significant change. When the measurement items were compared between time points, no significant changes in any measurement items were noted in the adult group. In the child group, the proportional indexes of the alar length, the width between the subnasale and the alare, and the webbing degree were significantly decreased immediately postoperatively compared with the preoperative values. However, these significant changes were diminished at 3 months postoperatively. The proportional index of the alar slope line inclination was significantly increased at 3 months postoperatively compared with the preoperative value, but the significant change was diminished at 6 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The alar transfixion suture procedure is not effective for correcting a vestibular web and alar-facial groove.

Management of the Cleft Nasal Tip: An Overview of Classic Techniques and Strategies

The challenges of cleft reconstruction have been present for centuries. However, understanding of the cleft nasal tip and the evolution of techniques decidedly began in the 20th century and refinement continues into the present day. Although a multitude of technical descriptions and case series have been published, a compendium of seminal techniques, which have shaped modern thought, has not been compiled in the literature. In this review, we discuss the anatomical disturbances in the cleft nasal tip anomaly, the timing and strategy of tip correction, and the major classic techniques for management of the cleft nasal tip. In addition, we have categorized the classic techniques into concepts that they embody.

Beware the Alar Base Optical Illusion in Assessment of Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity

BACKGROUND

After repair of unilateral cleft lip, lateral drift of the alar base is expected and may require revision. Although the alar base appears wider than on the noncleft side, by measurement it could be symmetric or narrow. Is this an optical illusion?

METHODS

This is a retrospective photographic evaluation of children who underwent repair of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. On submental standardized photographs, raters judged whether the alar base position was wider, equal to, or narrower than on the noncleft side. The true alar base position was measured by photogrammetry and the frequency of alar base misjudgment was assessed. On control photographs, the cleft side alar base was wider than the noncleft side. On test photographs, the cleft side alar base was narrower than the noncleft side. Possible association between misjudgment and nasal features was also evaluated. Data were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Three raters assessed 61 patients aged 6 to 9 years and treated between 1995 and 2015. In 77 percent of control photographs, raters correctly judged the cleft side alar base as wider. In 65 percent of test photographs, raters incorrectly judged the alar base position as wider on the cleft side. Asymmetry of nostril outline and a transverse nostril axis were associated with misjudged photographs (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Alar base assessment can be altered by an optical illusion. Simple anthropometry counters this misperception. Measurement should be repeated after correction of the deviated anterocaudal septum and elevation of the lower lateral cartilage. Thereafter, a decision is made on altering the alar base position.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic, II.

Oronasal Transfixion Suture to Prevent Uplifted Nasal Floor Deformity in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A 5-Year Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE

In unilateral cleft lip and palate, the reconstructed nasal floor is sometimes uplifted regardless of the reconstructive method used. We used a 5-0 absorbable anchoring suture, the oronasal transfixion suture (ONT suture), to fasten the reconstructed nasal floor to the orbicularis oris muscle to prevent this deformity. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of the ONT suture.

DESIGN

Blind retrospective study of photography and chart review.

SETTING

Shinshu University Hospital, tertiary care, Nagano, Japan. Private practice.

PATIENTS

Ninety-three consecutive patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate who had undergone primary nasolabial repair in our department and affiliated hospitals between 1999 and 2011 participated in this study. Finally, 45 patients were included.

INTERVENTIONS

The ONT suture was put in place at the time of primary nasolabial repair.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The height of the nasal floor was evaluated on submental view photographs at 5 years old.

RESULTS

The ONT suture was applied in 21 patients. The height of the nasal floor on the cleft side was significantly closer to that on the noncleft side with the ONT suture than without the ONT suture ( P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

The ONT suture is effective to prevent uplifted nasal floor deformity on the cleft side// in unilateral complete cleft lip and palate at the time of primary nasolabial repair.

Evidence-Based Medicine: Secondary Correction of Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the components of unilateral and bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. 2. Assess the deformity. 3. Design a treatment plan for secondary correction of cleft lip nasal deformity. 4. Discuss methods for managing suboptimal outcomes.

SUMMARY

Correction of cleft lip nasal deformity has been addressed in this Maintenance of Certification/Continuing Medical Education series a number of times-a testament to the complexity of the topic. In this addition to the series, the authors provide a principle-based approach toward management of unilateral and bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity with an emphasis on timing intervention, role for intermediate correction, and methods for cleft rhinoplasty after completion of nasal growth.

Early Cleft Lip Repair Revisited: A Safe and Effective Approach Utilizing a Multidisciplinary Protocol

Background:

The optimal timing for cleft lip repair has yet to be established. Advances in neonatal anesthesia, along with a growing body of literature, suggesting benefits of earlier cleft lip and nasal repair, have set the stage for a reexamination of current practices.

Methods:

In this prospective study, cleft lip and nasal repair occurred on average at 34.8 days (13–69 days). Nasal correction was achieved primarily through molding the nasal cartilage without the placement of nasal sutures at the time of repair. A standardized anesthetic protocol aimed at limiting neurotoxicity was utilized in all cases. Anesthetic and postoperative complications were assessed. A 3-dimensional nasal analysis compared pre- and postoperative nasal symmetry for unilateral clefts. Surveys assessed familial response to repair.

Results:

Thirty-two patients were included (27 unilateral and 5 bilateral clefts). In this study, the overall complication rate was 3.1%. Anthropometric measurements taken from 3-dimensional-image models showed statistically significant improvement in ratios of nostril height (preoperative mean, 0.59; postoperative mean, 0.80), nasal base width (preoperative mean, 1.96; postoperative mean, 1.12), columella length (preoperative mean, 0.62; postoperative mean, 0.89; and columella angle (preoperative mean, 30.73; postoperative mean, 9.1). Survey data indicated that families uniformly preferred earlier repair.

Conclusions:

We present evidence that early cleft lip and nasal repair can be performed safely and is effective at improving nasal symmetry without the placement of any nasal sutures. Utilization of this protocol has the potential to be a paradigm shift in the treatment of cleft lip and nasal deformity.