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Alwadeai MS, Aboulhassan MA, Al-Aroomy L, Othman AA, Shindy MI, Baz S. Evaluation of Vermillion Symmetry and Scar Quality in Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair Using Modified Millard's Technique Versus Fisher's Technique. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2024:S0278-2391(24)00237-4. [PMID: 38697214 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the primary goal of cleft lip repair is to achieve a symmetrical, aesthetic lip, several surgical techniques have been utilized. Accordingly, in this study, a unilateral cleft lip was surgically repaired using two techniques: modified Millard's and Fisher's techniques. PURPOSE This study was designed to compare the vermillion symmetry and scar quality in the surgical management of patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip using the modified Millard's and Fisher's techniques. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE We conducted a prospective randomized controlled clinical study. The study involved 20 patients selected from the Department of Plastic Pediatric Surgery at the Specialized Pediatric Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. The patients included in the study were aged between 2 and 6 months old, had a primary nonsyndromic unilateral incomplete cleft lip, and had no other associated anomalies. PREDICTOR VARIABLE The predictor variable was operative management of the cleft lip, and subjects were randomly assigned to either the modified Millard or Fisher techniques. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES The primary outcome, vermillion symmetry, was evaluated by computerized photogrammetric lip analysis with Image J software. Additionally, scar quality, considered a secondary outcome, was assessed with the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Image J software. Every measurement was meticulously recorded in millimeters. COVARIATES Age, sex, and cleft side were considered. ANALYSES Descriptive and analytic statistics were computed. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS The study comprised 20 children (12 males and 8 females), with a mean age of 140.5 ± 23.7 days in the Fisher's group and 137.4 ± 25.6 days in the modified Millard's group (P = .8). No statistically significant differences (P = .6) were found in vermillion height and width between both groups at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences (P = .4) between both groups in terms of scar length and width at the 3- and 6-month follow-up periods. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE This study found no statistically significant differences in vermillion symmetry and scar quality between the two cleft lip repair techniques. Notably, one patient in the modified Millard group exhibited a notch on the vermillion border, which was not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Salah Alwadeai
- Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen.
| | | | - Leena Al-Aroomy
- Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Jiblah University for Medical and Health Sciences, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Ahlam Abdulsalam Othman
- Associate Professor of Fixed Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Sanaa University, Sanaa, Yemen
| | - Mostafa Ibrahim Shindy
- Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry- Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Safaa Baz
- Lecturer of Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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Alkebsi K, Sakran KA, Abdo Y, Shi B, Li C. Stability of nasal symmetry following primary cleft lip and nasal repair: five years of follow-up. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2023; 52:451-459. [PMID: 35973881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in cleft lip treatment, various levels of residual deformity remain after primary repair of cleft lip and palate. The aim of the current study was to compare the stability of short- and long-term postoperative nasal symmetry. This retrospective study included 100 consecutive non-syndromic patients with unilateral complete cleft lip who underwent primary cleft lip repair with follow-up of 5 years. Measurements taken from basal and frontal standard photograph views, obtained preoperatively (T1) and immediately (T2), 1 year (T3), and 5 years postoperative (T4), were analysed. Paired and independent t-tests were applied to assess the significance of differences and relationships, while the inter-class correlation coefficient was used to assess reliability; P < 0.05 was considered significant. The male to female ratio was 1:1; mean age at the time of surgery was 0.43 ± 0.25 years. All patients showed significant improvements following unilateral complete cleft lip repair. All variables measured at T3 revealed a significant relapse when compared to T2, except alar base position, which showed a constant mean across all postoperative follow-ups. Late relapse (T3-T4) was not significant for alar collapse, alar base position, or columellar angle (all P > 0.05). On the other hand, columellar height (P = 0.003), and nostril height (P = 0.038) and width (P = 0.007) showed significant improvements during the late relapse period. In conclusion, the majority of the relapse and changes following the nasal cleft repair occurred within the first postoperative year. However, nasal asymmetries tended to remain stable or reduced during the first 5 postoperative years.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Alkebsi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - K A Sakran
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Y Abdo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen; School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - B Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - C Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Bansal A, Reddy SG, Chug A, Markus AF, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM. Nasal symmetry after different techniques of primary lip repair for unilateral complete cleft lip with or without cleft of the alveolus and palate: A systematic review. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2022; 50:894-909. [PMID: 36635151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to establish the effect of different surgical repairs for the lip on nasal symmetry. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Ovid databases search was performed initially for only English-language articles, in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip with or without cleft alveolus and palate (UCCLAP) who were younger than 1 year of age and undergoing cleft lip repair, and are published from the earliest data available up to December 31, 2020. The primary outcome variable was nasal symmetry, with reported complications being secondary variables. A qualitative synthesis was provided. A total of 19,828 records were obtained, and 17 articles were selected for final review. Assessment of the risk of bias of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (N-1) was done with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB-2) tool, and the ROBINS-I tool was used for non-randomized studies (n = 14). Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to evaluate the quality of the body of evidence. The majority of the included studies compared the triangular repair with the rotation advancement (RA) techniques, and preferred RA or its modifications. In terms of the nasal symmetry, the Fisher repair proved to be superior to the RA technique. Neither RA nor straight line repair was superior to one another. The Delaire technique may be preferred over the modified RA. Also, satisfactory outcomes were observed with simultaneous lip-nose repair. This systematic review examined a plethora of techniques, and the heterogeneity between studies was very high regarding type of surgery, method of nasal symmetry assessment, and length of follow-up, thus producing low-quality evidence; therefore, results should be interpreted with caution. Future research requires RCTs with larger sample sizes and appropriate length of follow-up, and surgeries preferably performed by a single experienced surgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adity Bansal
- Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, Deoghar, Jharkhand, 814152, India.
| | - Srinivas Gosla Reddy
- GSR Institute of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Vinay Nagar Colony, I S Sadan, Saidabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500059, India.
| | - Ashi Chug
- Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India.
| | - Anthony F Markus
- Emeritus Consultant, Maxillofacial Surgeon, Poole Hospital, University of Bournemouth, University of Duisburg-Essen, Trinity College Dublin, India.
| | - Anne Marie Kuijpers-Jagtman
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Dental Medicine/Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Campus Salemba, Jalan Salemba Raya No.4, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia.
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Elayah SA, Sakran KA, Alkebsi K, Younis H, Yang M, Liang X, Alkhutari AS, Li Y, Shi B. Primary unilateral incomplete cleft lip repair by a modified rotational advancement technique. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2022; 124:101325. [PMID: 36336298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to describe a modified technique for primary unilateral incomplete cleft lip repair together with postoperative outcomes assessment. STUDY DESIGN A Retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Photos of 64 consecutive patients with nonsyndromic primary unilateral incomplete cleft lip were reviewed. Of the 64 participants for the study sample, 32 patients had received Millard rotational advancement technique (RA), while the other 32 had modified rotational advancement technique (MRA) with preserving the nasal sill intact. It was conducted at a university-affiliated tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2021. MAIN MEASURES The lip measures were represented by lip height and width, vermillion height, midline-philtrum angle, and angle of Cupid's bow peaks. The nasal measures involved columella length and angle, nostril height and width, and ala width. Both descriptive and comparative data analyses were calculated. RESULTS Symmetrical lip height, lip width, philtrum angle, Cupid's bow, as well columellar length, and alar width were obtained following the MRA technique. No significant difference was found between the MRA and RA groups concerning the preoperative lip height, Cupid's bow angle, columellar length and angle. However, the postoperative lip height, width and columellar length were greater in MRA group than RA group (P= .001, 0.004 and 0.002, respectively). On the other hand, the MRA group had significantly smaller columellar and Cupid's bow peaks angles than RA group (0.53±0.36 vs 1.21±0.91 and 1.34±1.84 vs 3.14 ± 2.97, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The MRA technique has obtained satisfactory lip and nasal outcomes in terms of lip height, lip width, philtrum angle, Cupid's bow, columellar length, and alar width while keeping the nasal sill intact.
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Alkebsi K, Abdo Y, Abotaleb BM, Sakran KA, Huang Y, Shi B. Can surgeons rely on growth-related changes to achieve lip height and width symmetry in unilateral complete cleft lip repair? Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2022:S0901-5027(22)00309-5. [PMID: 35987709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Surgeons face difficulties achieving simultaneous lip height and width symmetry while repairing unilateral complete cleft lip, so one is often sacrificed at the expense of the other. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of growth on lip height and width symmetry, to guide the surgeon to the best decision. The study patients (N = 105) were divided into two groups based on the treatment method: 42 were treated with the modified rotational advancement technique (MRA group) and 63 with the Millard rotation-advancement technique (RA group). Furthermore, based on lip height and width symmetry at 6 months postoperative, the patients were divided into three groups: 38 with symmetrical lip height and width (SL), 41 with horizontal lip width more symmetrical than lip height (RAW), and 26 with vertical lip height more symmetrical than lip width (RAH). Measurements were taken preoperatively (T0), 6 months (T1) and 5 years (T2) postoperatively. The MRA group had significantly more symmetrical lip height than the RA group at T1 (P = 0.003) and T2 (P = 0.002); however no statistically significant difference in lip width symmetry was observed between the two groups. In relation to the effects of growth, only lip width symmetry in the RAH group improved significantly between T1 and T2 (P = 0.023). In conclusion the improvement in lip width symmetry following 5 years of postoperative growth did not achieve the same symmetry as when lip width symmetry was achieved intraoperatively. Thus, the MRA technique could be used to obtain intraoperative symmetry of lip height and width.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Alkebsi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Y Abdo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen; School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - B M Abotaleb
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - K A Sakran
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Y Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - B Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Alkebsi K, Li C, Shi B, Abotaleb BM, Telha WA, Sakran KA, Li Y. Modified Rotational Advancement Technique for Primary Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip Repair. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2021; 24:357-362. [PMID: 34516779 DOI: 10.1089/fpsam.2021.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance: Leveling Cupid's bow while maintaining lip height and width in unilateral complete cleft lip patients with improved nose outcomes is a significant challenge for surgeons. Objective: This study aimed to measure the symmetry of the nasal and labial anthropometric points after using this modified cleft lip repair technique. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this retrospective study, 72 consecutive nonsyndromic unilateral complete cleft lip patients underwent a modified rotational advancement technique. Photos of at least 1 year follow-up period were collected. Main Outcomes and Measures: The nose measurements included columella length, nostril height and width, ala width, nostril inclination, columella angle, and ala bases angle. The lip measurements included lip height and width, vermillion height; midline-philtrum angle, and angles of Cupid's bow peaks. Descriptive quantitative analysis of the lip and nose measurements, intraclass correlation coefficient, and ANOVA tests were conducted. Results: Well-aligned Cupid's bows with symmetrical lip height and width were obtained with satisfactory aesthetic nasal outcomes. Conclusions: The present technique had leveled the Cupid's bow while preserving the lip height and width, with resultant satisfactory nasal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Alkebsi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Chenghao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bassam Mutahar Abotaleb
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Wael A Telha
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Karim Ahmed Sakran
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Modified Unilateral Incomplete Cleft Lip Repair with Primary Nasal Overcorrection: A Muscle-Driven Technique. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 147:700-705. [PMID: 33620940 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000007688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY Millard's rotation-advancement principle, first-described 60 years ago, continues to guide surgeons in reconstruction of the unilateral cleft lip. Modifications of the rotation-advancement repair are commonly used; however, distinction between the complete and incomplete forms of cleft lip has received less emphasis in surgical procedure descriptions. As a unilateral incomplete cleft lip could present with more tissue overall and a larger lip on the cleft side than a complete form of cleft lip, the authors have adopted a deformity-specific technical approach to treat each particular cleft form. This article highlights the 10 key steps for execution of a modified unilateral incomplete cleft lip repair using the rotation-advancement principle plus the "skin-follows-muscle" model. The intraoperative design and the reconstruction of the skin, muscle, vermilion, intraoral mucosal, and nasal elements are fully detailed in the accompanying videos.
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Jung S, Chung KH, Chang SY, Ohrmman D, Lim E, Lo LJ. A new technique for perioral muscle reconstruction and lip lengthening in complete unilateral cleft lip. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2020; 73:749-757. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Long-Term Outcomes of the Minimal Skin Incision Technique for Correcting Severe Microform and Minor-Form Cleft Lip With Philtrum Reconstruction Through the Intraoral Incision. J Craniofac Surg 2019; 31:79-84. [PMID: 31725500 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000005963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because the traditional technique is known to cause visible scarring, it is challenging to yield optimal outcomes while treating a severe type of microform and minor-form cleft lip. The authors present a new refined technique with minimal skin incision and philtrum formation through an intraoral incision. METHODS The surgical technique involves single Z-plasty or double or triple unilimb Z-plasty to restore an elevated cupid's bow peak and overlapping of an orbicularis oris muscle flap to create the philtrum through an intraoral incision. Cleft lip nasal deformity was corrected with reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty. RESULTS Eighteen patients were operated between September 2008 and June 2017. Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 3 to 12 months. The duration of follow-up ranged from 12 months to 7 years (mean, 36 months). The elevated cupid's bow was corrected by performing single Z-plasty in 6 patients, double unilimb Z-plasty in 7 patients, and triple unilimb Z-plasty in 5 patients. In all cases, the notch or elevated cupid's bow was corrected, the surgical scar was minimal, and philtrum reconstruction was satisfactory. Minor scar revision was performed in 4 patients. Cleft lip nasal deformity was corrected in fifteen patients. CONCLUSIONS The technique adopted here causes minimal scarring, facilitates the formation of an anatomical philtrum, preserves the continuity and function of the muscle, and presents sufficient elevation of the philtral column.
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Longitudinal Follow-up of Individuals With Cleft Lip Using Three-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetry. J Craniofac Surg 2018. [PMID: 29521745 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000004434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry for treating cleft lip (CL) has been well documented. However, there are only a few reliable anthropometric analyses in infants with CL because at this age they cannot assume a resting facial position. Since 2014, we have used a handheld 3D imaging system in the operating room to obtain optimal images of infants with CL and palate under general anesthesia. Currently, 168 infants with a unilateral cleft, 50 infants with bilateral clefts, and 47 infants with an isolated cleft palate are being followed up in this way for a maximum of 30 months. Most patients ≥3 years of age are cooperative and allow staff to obtain 3D images without sedation. We plan to follow them until adulthood, obtaining 3D images at every intervention. Each year, >150 infants can be added to this ongoing longitudinal study. Using an archive of these digital images, various retrospective studies can be attempted in the future, which include comparisons of the long-term outcomes of various surgical techniques and interventions at different time intervals. This is the first 2-year preliminary report of a 20-year longitudinal study.
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