Donor site morbidity after reconstruction of alveolar bone defects with mandibular symphyseal bone grafts in cleft patients—111 consecutive patients

The aim of this study was to assess the objective and subjective morbidity after reconstruction of alveolar bone defects with mandibular symphyseal bone grafts in patients with cleft lip and palate. One hundred and eleven patients born between 1995 and 1999, who had undergone chin bone harvesting for alveolar cleft reconstruction in the period from 2000 through 2011, were included. A survey of medical records was conducted. Subjective morbidity after reconstruction was assessed using a questionnaire. Medical records revealed few postoperative incidents; 5.6% reported persistent sensory disturbances in the donor area. Postoperative pain averaged 3.6 ± 2.1 (scale 0–10). The overall satisfaction with the surgical result was 8.7 ± 1.7 (scale 0–10). This study revealed that chin bone harvesting for reconstruction of alveolar defects in patients with cleft lip and palate is a safe and predictable procedure, highly appreciated by the patients, and characterized by only minor postoperative incidents. Patients must be informed of the risk of sensory disturbances in the donor area.