A Normative Observational Study of the Relationship of the Philtral Ridges to the Columellar Base in South-Indian Population and its Significance on Cleft Lip Repair

Introduction The philtral ridges form a prominent visual landmark in the upper lip. An aesthetically pleasing cleft lip repair should restore this preferably without any scars cutting across it. Although there are several scientific publications on morphology of this structure and its variations, very few studies on the Indian population have been published.

Aim To study the morphology of the philtral ridges and their relationship to the columellar base in normal Indian children and its significance in cleft lip repair.

Methods 115 normal healthy children from southern India aged between one and 12 years were studied based on direct observation of the relationship of the superior end of the philtral ridge to the columellar base and nasal sill. In type A, the philtral ridge terminates at the nasal sill just lateral to the columellar base, and in type B, it either reaches or fades before reaching the columellar base. All observations were performed by the first author by examining standardized two-dimensional (2D) photographs of the upper lip-nose complex.

Results In this study, 74% of the subjects had the philtral column extending lateral to the columellar base.

Conclusion These finding assume a significance since, in a substantial proportion of the studied population, techniques of cleft lip repair such as the rotation advancement method, place a scar that crosses the upper third of the philtral ridge which may be undesirable.

Short term results of philtrum reconstruction with an orbicularis oris muscle flap in cleft patients

PURPOSE

In the treatment of philtral ridge deficiency in cleft lip patients, optimal results are difficult to obtain due to visible scarring following surgery. The purpose of this article is to introduce a novel strategy for philtrum reconstruction along with an evaluation of postoperative outcomes of this technique.

METHOD

All patients with a deficiency of the philtrum underwent reconstruction of the philtral ridge and upper lip using an orbicularis oris muscle flap with a specific re-suturing technique in our study. The convexity of the philtral ridge was evaluated pre- and postoperatively at rest and while puckering using patient photography as well as three-dimensional simulation technology. Postoperative outcomes and complications were assessed during follow-up, including a patient satisfaction survey.

RESULTS

Thirty cleft lip patients underwent treatment in this study using a specific orbicularis oris muscle re-suturing technique. The average age of the 13 male and 17 female patients was 31.5 years. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 3.5 years with an average of 10.3 months. Postoperative results showed an aesthetic reconstructed philtral ridge with stable outcome. Complications included acute infection (1 case) and temporary stiffness of smile (3 cases). No systemic complications occurred. All patients were satisfied with their results, and none required further surgery.

CONCLUSION

We propose a simple, effective, and reproducible technique involving an orbicularis oris muscle flap for the creation of the philtral column in secondary cleft lip deformity. Our approach allowed aesthetically pleasing and stable outcomes. Although the short-term results of the philtrum reconstruction seem to be adequate there is no information on the long-term situation, and therefore no general recommendation to adopt this method can be given.