Initial experiences with NAM-assisted primary repair of the BCLP deformity

An evaluation of the customized nasal clip protocol for bilateral cleft lip and palate presurgical infant orthopaedics

OBJECTIVES

Nasoalveolar moulding (NAM) has resulted in profound outcomes in the treatment of bilateral cleft lip and palate patients, including non-surgical columellar lengthening and nasal moulding. We examine an innovative alternative that is less invasive, yet provides similar results. In this study, we describe a novel approach using the Customized Nasal Clip Protocol (CNCP™) and compare the treatment outcomes of a small cohort of infants with bilateral cleft lip ± palate with published results of the Grayson nasoalveolar moulding protocol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of six bilateral-cleft-affected patients was evaluated for this study. Standardized frontal and worm's eye view photographs were obtained, and clinical measurements were utilized to garner columellar length measurements and nostril height comparisons. The initial and post-surgical results were statistically compared with a student's t-test (p < .05). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the cohort, which will be described.

RESULTS

The resulting columellar length and nostril height increases of the CNCP™ group were comparable to a published cohort of subjects that have undergone nasoalveolar moulding. The nasal changes were found to be significant with a p-value <.01. The CNCP™ cohort also had fewer clinic visits, no complications that led to complete pauses of active treatment, and the benefit of receiving comprehensive treatment that was initiated at their first clinical presentation, in comparison to traditional NAM patients.

CONCLUSION

The increase of columellar length and nostril height that resulted from utilizing the CNCP™ in bilateral cleft patients met the treatment goals of presurgical infant orthopaedics, with results on par with published results of NAM. These results, paired with the reduction in patient, family, and provider burden, further support the continued use and development of the CNCP™ for appropriate patient populations.

Management of the protuberant premaxilla: where does it fit in?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss multidisciplinary treatment options for the protuberant premaxilla associated with bilateral cleft lip and palate. Lessons have been learned throughout the years regarding the effect of growth restriction after early and aggressive therapy. Multiple surgical and orthodontic interventions are discussed. Recent literature will be highlighted and discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

A paucity of long-term studies was noted. Recent literature revealed numerous studies introducing innovative presurgical orthopedic devices as less expensive and easier to use alternatives to nasoalveolar molding. Multiple approaches to premaxillary setback were presented, offering multiple approaches to improve success rates and minimize burden to the patient. Novel orthodontic and advanced microvascular procedures were discussed as additional tools for treatment of the malpositioned premaxilla once skeletal maturity is reached.

SUMMARY

Multidisciplinary team management of the protuberant premaxilla and bilateral cleft lip and palate is becoming increasingly embraced worldwide. Numerous surgical procedures and orthodontic treatments are required to optimally reposition the premaxilla; however, these interventions can inhibit growth, resulting in maxillary retrusion. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine what protocol is best. Studies should also include ways to overcome barriers to treatment success, such as late intervention, resource disparity, and limited access to care.

The absolute and relative effects of presurgical nasoalveolar moulding in bilateral cleft lip and palate patients compared with nasal growth in healthy newborns

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the efficiency of nasoalveolar moulding (NAM) in patients presenting with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). It focused explicitly on nasal outcome and therefore made comparisons with healthy age-matched infants with normal nasal development.

METHODS

Nasal impressions from 19 BCLP patients were analysed at the beginning and at the end of NAM treatment. In addition, nasal impressions from 32 healthy newborns were taken monthly for 4 months. The casts were digitalized and analysed, using defined anatomic landmarks, by two independent observers. Initial values were compared with outcome parameters at the end of NAM therapy and with the healthy cohort.

RESULTS

NAM significantly elongated the columella in BCLP patients, with an increase of 106.5% versus 14.5% in healthy newborns. Nostril height showed significant expansion from 4.2 mm to 5.6 mm on the right side, and from 4.3 mm to 6.2 mm on the left side.

CONCLUSION

NAM significantly elongated columella length and increased nostril height. The comparison with healthy newborns showed the effectiveness of early cartilage moulding. Detailed knowledge about absolute and relative early nasal growth was gained. However, despite highly effective NAM treatment in BCLP, nasal dimensions will not reach healthy proportions.