Reduction of midfacial periosteal perfusion failure by subperiosteal versus supraperiosteal dissection

Using a new model for in vivo quantification of periosteal perfusion in the maxilla of rabbits, periosteal perfusion was found significantly more deteriorated after supraperiosteal compared with subperiosteal soft tissue detachment. The marked reduction of periosteal microcirculatory perfusion failure after subperiosteal soft tissue detachment may contribute to the clinically observed protection from manifestation of midfacial hypoplasia after cleft repair.