Long-term evaluation of bilateral cleft lip and palate patients after early secondary closure and premaxilla repositioning

The aim of this retrospective, mixed longitudinal study was to assess the long-term outcome of early secondary closure and premaxilla osteotomy in 40 bilateral cleft lip and palate patients who underwent early secondary osteotomy of the premaxilla and bone grafting at the age of 8–12 years. Clinical and cephalometric evaluations of profile, lip relation, nasolabial angle and position of the maxilla preoperatively, postoperatively and at adolescence were compared to normal values of non-cleft individuals and the reported data of 90 bilateral cleft lip and palate patients treated in Oslo. In 68% of patients the profile was considered acceptable, but in 26 maxillary growth appeared to be impaired by cephalometric standards. In four patients a Le Fort I osteotomy was carried out and nine patients would have benefited from such a procedure. This study reveals a trend towards maxillary growth retardation partially compensated by orthodontic and dental treatment. Since the results are comparable to those reported for the Oslo group with regard to maxillary growth, the surgical protocol followed does not require revision. Considering the benefits, i.e. closure of alveolo-palatal cleft, continuity of dental arch, eruption of canine in the graft and closure of oro-nasal communications, this mode of treatment should be continued.