title: [A new three-dimensional scale in the evaluation of the secondary alveolar bone grafting].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To propose a new three-dimensional method or grading scale in the evaluation of the secondary alveolar bone grafting, thus modifying the Bergland grading scale.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 40 patients (26 male, 14 female) with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), who underwent secondary alveolar bone grafting at least 3 months ago, were enrolled. Regional cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans were taken to evaluate the height and thickness of the postoperative bone bridges. A new three-dimensional grafting scale was established, including four grades respectively in alveolar height and thickness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to the new three-dimensional scale in this study, 15 grafted sites were rated grade T-I or T-II in the alveolar thickness among 18 sites of grade H-I in height, and 10 among 15 of grade H-II in height. Therefore, 25 grafted sites were considered as clinical success in the alveolar thickness (grade T-I or T-II) among 33 sites with clinical success in alveolar height (grade H-I and H-II). There were 24% of 33 sites with clinical success in height, which were considered as clinical failure in the alveolar thickness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is necessary to establish a new three-dimensional method or grading scale for evaluating the secondary alveolar bone grafting. The three-dimensional scale can take comprehensive view of the bone-grafted alveolar clefts and thus modify the Bergland grading scale.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.
authors.forename: Luwei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Lian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Jiuxiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Email: yljia2000@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Qilin
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Jia
mesh_terms: D064728:Alveolar Bone Grafting; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period