Facial surface changes after cleft alveolar bone grafting.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the 3-dimensional facial surface changes after cleft alveolar bone grafting with digital surface photogrammetry.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 22 patients with cleft lip and palate underwent alveolar bone grafting. Before the procedure and 6 weeks postoperatively and before the continuation of orthodontic treatment, 3-dimensional images were taken with digital surface photogrammetry. Seven standard craniofacial landmarks on the nose and the upper lip were identified. Their spatial change because of bone grafting was assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and t test.


RESULTS
A significant increase in anterior projection on the operative side (P < .05) was found for the labial insertion points of the alar base (subalare). No significant changes were detected for the position of the labial landmarks.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results show 3-dimensionally that there is a positive influence of the alveolar bone graft on the projection of the alar base on the cleft side.
Krimmel
Michael
M
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. Krimmel@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Schuck
Nils
N
Bacher
Margit
M
Reinert
Siegmar
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology; D000543:Alveoloplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D005145:Face; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008046:Lip / Q000473:pathology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D055171:Nasal Cartilages / Q000473:pathology; D009666:Nose / Q000473:pathology; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D010780:Photogrammetry / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult