Stability between single and segmental maxillary osteotomies in bimaxillary surgery for cleft-associated class III deformity: a CBCT study.

OBJECTIVE: Segmental Le Fort I osteotomy through the cleft is a common strategy to narrow the alveolar cleft in adults. This study compared skeletal stability between single and segmental Le Fort I osteotomies in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis examined 45 adults with complete UCLP-associated class III deformities who underwent bimaxillary surgery with either single (n = 30) or segmental (n = 15) Le Fort I advancement. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the facial skeleton were acquired before surgery, 1-week postsurgery, and at follow-up. Measures of landmarks from the CBCT images for the two treatment groups were compared for translation (left/right, posterior/anterior, superior/inferior) and rotation (yaw, roll, pitch). RESULTS: Postsurgery, the downward movement of the maxilla was larger in the segmental group than the single group. At follow-up, the maxilla moved backward in both groups, and upward in the segmental group. The mandible moved forward and upward and rotated upward in both groups. The amount of upward movement and rotation was larger in the segmental group than the single group. CONCLUSIONS: Two years after bimaxillary surgery in patients with UCLP-associated class III deformity, greater relapse was found after segmental Le Fort I osteotomies in vertical translation of the maxilla and mandible, and pitch rotation of the mandible compared with single Le Fort I osteotomies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The vertical relapse of the maxilla was larger after segmental Le Fort I advancement compared with single Le Fort I advancement in clefts.

Analysis of the Complications of Mandibular Cortical Bone with/without Particulate Artificial Bone Graft for Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate postoperative complications in patients who underwent alveolar bone graft surgery using mandibular cortical bone (MCB) with/without particulate artificial bone (PAB). DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery in the hospital from August 2020 to August 2023. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent alveolar bone graft using MCB were reviewed. They were diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral alveolar cleft, and some of them developed postoperative complications after MCB with/without PAB repair surgery. INTERVENTIONS: No interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Complications. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 12 of 149 patients who underwent surgery (8.05%). Among these evaluated patients, 10 had surgical site infection, 8 had mucosal dehiscence, 2 had discharge of resorbable plate debris, and 6 had grafted bone necrosis. Patients with bilateral alveolar clefts were more likely to experience complications (P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: MCB with/without PAB grafting is effective enough for patients to undergo reconstruction of the alveolar process.

Evaluation of the Regenerative Capacity of Demineralized Bone Matrix vs Fat Graft in Alveolar Cleft Model in Albino Rats.

AIM: This study was performed to evaluate the regenerative capacity of demineralized bone matrix vs fat graft, both guided by pericardium membrane in alveolar cleft model in albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 rats were required in this study. A surgical bone defect with a 7 mm length × 4 mm width × 3 mm depth was created as a model of an alveolar cleft, then the rats were divided randomly into four equal groups each group contained 18 rats: control group (defect only), the membrane group (the defect was covered by the pericardium membrane), the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) group (the defect was filled with DBM guided by pericardium membrane) and fat group (the defect was filled with a fat graft guided by the pericardium membrane). Around 6 rats from each group were euthanized after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Skulls were scanned with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and harvested for histological evaluation with routine H&E immunohistochemical stains (Anti-osteocalcin and Anti-Wnt5a). The data was recorded and statistically analyzed by a two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The study showed a notable formation of new bone, and expression of OCN and Wnt5a were notably increased by time in the fat group. However, the density of bone grafts and OCN and Wnt5a expression decreased with time in the DBM group. Control and membrane groups showed negative OCN and Wnt5a immune-reactivity in the cleft site. CONCLUSION: Fat graft results were superior to DBM results with regard to mucosal closure and accelerated bone regeneration, and may represent an effective treatment for alveolar cleft reconstruction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Finding an inexpensive, accessible, biocompatible and easily manipulated treatment for craniofacial reconstruction and fat graft fulfilled the desired aims. Further investigations with prolonged evaluation periods are needed. How to cite this article: Abdel Raouf E, Elsherbini AM, Abdel Salam Yousef Y, et al. Evaluation of the Regenerative Capacity of Demineralized Bone Matrix vs Fat Graft in Alveolar Cleft Model in Albino Rats. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):554-562.

Secondary alveolar cleft grafting using autogenous mineralized plasmatic matrix (MPM) versus cancellous bone particles derived from anterior iliac crest.

OBJECTIVE: The essential concern of alveolar cleft grafting in patients of cleft lip and palate at the mixed dentition phase is to gain bone within the cleft area that provides closure of the oronasal communication with continuous and stable maxilla for future cleft teeth eruption or implantation. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mineralized plasmatic matrix (MPM) versus cancellous bone particles harvested from anterior iliac crest in secondary alveolar cleft grafting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on ten patients with unilateral complete alveolar cleft requiring cleft reconstruction. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups; group (1) included 5 patients who received particulate cancellous bone derived from anterior iliac crest (control group) and group (2) included 5 patients who received MPM graft prepared from cancellous bone derived from anterior iliac crest (study group). All patients received CBCT preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and after 6 months. On the CBCT, graft's volume, labio-palatal width, and height were measured and compared. RESULTS: The outcome of the studied patients 6 months postoperatively showed that the control group had significant decrease in the graft volume, labio-palatal width, and height compared to the study group. CONCLUSION: MPM allowed for the integration of bone graft particles inside a fibrin network, which offers positional stability of the bone particles, thus preserving their shape with subsequent "in situ" immobilization of the graft components. This conclusion was reflected positively in terms of maintained graft volume, width, and height compared to that of the control group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MPM allowed for maintenance of grafted ridge volume, width, and height.

Outcomes of alveolar cleft repair in complete cleft lip and palate after tertiary gingivoperiosteoplasty and segmental Le Fort I osteotomy.

OBJECTIVES: Gingivoperiosteoplasty is often used for reconstruction of alveolar defects in infants with cleft lip and palate. This study aimed to examine outcomes of tertiary gingivoperiosteoplasty, which has not previously been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 11 adults with complete cleft lip and palate (n = 12 sites) who consecutively underwent segmental Le Fort I osteotomy and concomitant gingivoperiosteoplasty for correction of skeletal class III deformity, nasoalveolar fistula and alveolar cleft. Outcomes included clinical and radiographic evaluations of gingivoperiosteoplasty at the time of osteotomy (presence of nasoalveolar fistula, residual cleft defect and unsupported root ratio of cleft-adjacent teeth), and determination of influencing factors for the clinical success of alveolar cleft repair. Study variables included age, gender, pre-surgical orthodontic treatment and alveolar cleft width of cleft-adjacent canine and angulation between cleft-adjacent teeth before surgery and 1-week postsurgery. RESULTS: Posttreatment, no nasoalveolar fistula remained. The residual cleft defect decreased significantly (p < 0.01). The unsupported root ratio of cleft-adjacent teeth did not differ (p > 0.05); eight cleft sites reached Bergland I or II (67% success). One-week postsurgery, the minimal alveolar cleft width of cleft-adjacent canine was significantly less in the success group compared with the failed group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Tertiary gingivoperiosteoplasty and segmental Le Fort I osteotomy decreased nasoalveolar fistulas and induced alveolar bone formation. The minimal alveolar cleft width immediately after surgery was the major influencing factor of clinical success. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Segmental Le Fort I osteotomy with simultaneous gingivoperiosteoplasty efficaciously repairs adult alveolar clefts.

Postoperative Daycare as a Safe and Cost-Effective Option for Secondary Alveolar Bone Graft (SABG) Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting (SABG) in patients treated either in daycare or with multiple day hospitalization (MDH) in relation to costs and complication rates. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative cohort study. SETTING: The data was collected from two settings: Postoperative daycare or MDH after oral cleft surgery in an Academic Medical Center in The Netherlands. PATIENTS: Data of 137 patients with unilateral Cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CLAP) treated between 2006-2018 were evaluated. Registered clinical variables: age, gender, cleft subtype, bone donor site, type of hospitalization, length of stay, additional surgery, complications, surgeons, and costs. INTERVENTIONS: Closure of the alveolar cleft with/without closure of the anterior palate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Univariate analyses. RESULTS: Of the 137 patients, 46.7% were treated in MDH, and 53.3% in daycare. Total costs for daycare were significantly lower (P < .001). All patients treated in daycare received mandibular symphysis bone, whereas in MDH, 46.9% received iliac crest bone instead. Bone donor site was associated with postoperative care type. Complication rates were slightly but not significantly higher in daycare (26%) vs. MDH (14.1%) (P = .09). Most were Grade I (minor) according to Clavien Dindo classification. CONCLUSIONS: Daycare after alveolar cleft surgery is about as safe as MDH, but significantly cheaper.

Stem Cell-Based Tissue Engineering for Cleft Defects: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of stem cell-based tissue engineering for the treatment of alveolar cleft (AC) and cleft palate (CP) defects in animal models.Systematic review and meta-analysis.Preclinical studies on alveolar cleft repair in maxillofacial practice.Electronic search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Pre-clinical studies, where stem cell-based tissue engineering was used in the reconstruction of AC and CP in animal models were included. Quality of the selected articles was evaluated using SYRCLE (SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation).Review of alveolar cleft bone augmentation interventions in preclinical models.Outcome parameters registered were new bone formation (NBF) and/or bone mineral density (BMD).Thirteen large and twelve small animal studies on AC (21) and CP (4) reconstructions were included. Studies had an unclear-to-high risk of bias. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were the most widely used cell source. Meta-analyses for AC indicated non-significant benefits in favor of: (1) scaffold + cells over scaffold-only (NBF P = .13); and (2) scaffold + cells over empty control (NBF P = .66; BMD P = .31). Interestingly, dog studies using regenerative grafts showed similar to superior bone formation compared to autografts. Meta analysis for the CP group was not possible.AC and CP reconstructions are enhanced by addition of osteogenic cells to biomaterials. Directions and estimates of treatment effect are useful to predict therapeutic efficacy and guide future clinical trials of bone tissue engineering.

3-Dimensional Craniofacial Imaging: A Template for Systematic Radiologic Evaluation for Alveolar Cleft Assessment and Planning.

BACKGROUND: Imaging findings are central to the diagnosis and treatment planning decisions when managing craniofacial differences. However, limited information is published on protocols for systematic cleft imaging assessment and for effective communication of these findings. SOLUTION: A template is presented to help guide radiologic imaging reports to acquire the relevant clinical information needed to manage patients with alveolar cleft.

Comparison of Preoperative Measurement Methods of Alveolar Cleft Volume Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography between Computer Simulation and Water Displacement Methods.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of a computer simulation by Mimics software and the water displacement method as means for measurement of alveolar cleft volume on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTLING: Institutional research. PATIENTS: Patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCCLP) who would undergo alveolar bone grafting. INTERVENTIONS: CBCT images of twenty patients with UCCLP were included in the study. In the first method, the water displacement method was adopted to measure volume of plasticine filled in the alveolar cleft imprinted on 3D printed model of maxilla. In the second method a volumetric assessment function in Mimics software was adopted to measure volume of 3D virtual model of alveolar cleft constructed from CBCT images. A comparison on the alveolar cleft volumes derived from the two methods was assessed using the statistical paired t-test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The paired-t test showed no statistically significant difference between alveolar cleft volumes measured by the two methods (P = 0.075). RESULTS: Mean volume of the alveolar cleft measured by the water displacement method was 1.03 ± 0.31 ml whereas by the computer simulation using Mimics software the value was 1.00 ± 0.31 ml. The mean difference between the two methods was 0.03 ± 0.08 ml. CONCLUSION: The computer simulation by Mimics software as a means for measurement of alveolar cleft volume on CBCT data is as accurate as the measurement by the water displacement method.

A Novel and Practical Protocol for Three-Dimensional Assessment of Alveolar Cleft Grafting Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility and accuracy of a new, easy-to-use volumetric assessment of the alveolar cleft. DESIGN: Twelve cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) datasets of patients with a unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate were evaluated by two investigators. Residual alveolar cleft calcified volume one year after surgery was analyzed by using standardized landmarks to determine the borders of the cleft defect and semi-automatically segment the alveolar cleft defect. RESULTS: The Dice-coefficient between observers for the segmented preoperative alveolar cleft defect was 0.81. Average percentage of residual alveolar cleft calcified material was 66.7% one year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a reliable and practical semi-automatic three-dimensional volumetric assessment method for unilateral clefts using CBCT.

Machine learning in 3D auto-filling alveolar cleft of CT images to assess the influence of alveolar bone grafting on the development of maxilla.

BACKGROUND: Machine learning based auto-segmentation of 3D images has been developed rapidly in recent years. However, the application of this new method in the research of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is very limited. In this study, a machine learning algorithm utilizing 3D U-net was used to automatically segment the maxilla, fill the cleft and evaluate the alveolar bone graft in UCLP patients. Cleft related factors and the surgery impact on the development of maxilla were analyzed. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images of 32 patients (64 images) were obtained. The deep-learning-based protocol was used to segment the maxilla and defect, followed by manual refinement. Paired t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to reveal the changes of the maxilla after surgery. Two-factor, two-level analysis for repeated measurement was used to examine the different trends of growth on the cleft and non-cleft sides of the maxilla. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to explore the relationship between the defect and the changes of the maxillary cleft side. RESULTS: One-year after the alveolar bone grafting surgery, different growth amount was found on the cleft and non-cleft sides of maxilla. The maxillary length (from 34.64 ± 2.48 to 35.67 ± 2.45 mm) and the alveolar length (from 36.58 ± 3.21 to 37.63 ± 2.94 mm) increased significantly only on the cleft side while the maxillary anterior width (from 11.61 ± 1.61 to 12.01 ± 1.41 mm) and posterior width (from 29.63 ± 2.25 to 30.74 ± 2.63 mm) increased significantly only on the non-cleft side after surgery. Morphology of the cleft was found to be related to the pre-surgical maxillary dimension on the cleft side, while its correlation with the change of the maxilla after surgery was low or not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The auto-segmentation of the maxilla and the cleft could be performed very efficiently and accurately with the machine learning method. Asymmetric growth was found on the cleft and non-cleft sides of the maxilla after alveolar bone graft in UCLP patients. The morphology of the cleft mainly contributed to the pre-operation variance of the maxilla but had little impact on the maxilla growth after surgery.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the effect of alveolar cleft bone graft on the maxillofacial biomechanical stabilities of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND: The objective is to clarify the effect of alveolar cleft bone graft on maxillofacial biomechanical stabilities, the key areas when bone grafting and in which should be supplemented with bone graft once bone resorption occurred in UCCLP (unilateral complete cleft lip and palate). METHODS: Maxillofacial CAD (computer aided design) models of non-bone graft and full maxilla cleft, full alveolar cleft bone graft, bone graft in other sites of the alveolar cleft were acquired by processing the UCCLP maxillofacial CT data in three-dimensional modeling software. The maxillofacial bone EQV (equivalent) stresses and bone suture EQV strains under occlusal states were obtained in the finite element analysis software. RESULTS: Under corresponding occlusal states, the EQV stresses of maxilla, pterygoid process of sphenoid bone on the corresponding side and anterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side were higher than other maxillofacial bones, the EQV strains of nasomaxillary, zygomaticomaxillary and pterygomaxillary suture on the corresponding side were higher than other maxillofacial bone sutures. The mean EQV strains of nasal raphe, the maximum EQV stresses of posterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side, the mean and maximum EQV strains of nasomaxillary suture on the non-cleft side in full alveolar cleft bone graft model were all significantly lower than those in non-bone graft model. The mean EQV stresses of bilateral anterior alveolar arches, the maximum EQV stresses of maxilla and its alveolar arch on the cleft side in the model with bone graft in lower 1/3 of the alveolar cleft were significantly higher than those in full alveolar cleft bone graft model. CONCLUSIONS: For UCCLP, bilateral maxillae, pterygoid processes of sphenoid bones and bilateral nasomaxillary, zygomaticomaxillary, pterygomaxillary sutures, anterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side are the main occlusal load-bearing structures before and after alveolar cleft bone graft. Alveolar cleft bone graft mainly affects biomechanical stabilities of nasal raphe and posterior alveolar arch, nasomaxillary suture on the non-cleft side. The areas near nasal floor and in the middle of the alveolar cleft are the key sites when bone grafting, and should be supplemented with bone graft when the bone resorbed in these areas.

Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction Using Double Iliac Corticocancellous Bone Plates Grafting Technique in Mixed Dentition Phase.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of maxillary alveolar cleft reconstruction in patients with cleft lip/palate at the phase of mixed dentition is to build bone in the cleft area which in turn allows closure of the oronasal fistula, establishes arch continuity, and improve maxillary stability. This study aimed to evaluate the double iliac corticocancellous bone plates grafting technique for initial alveolar cleft grafting. DESIGN: This prospective study was conducted on 12 consecutive patients with unilateral complete alveolar cleft and previous cleft lip and palate corrective surgery. INTERVENTION: For all patients, the iliac crest graft was harvested and cut into 2 cortical bone plates and adapted labially and palatally. Both plates were fixed with screws then the gap between the 2 plates was filled with cancellous bone. The grafted side was compared to the contralateral side 9 months postoperatively regarding labio-palatal alveolar width and bone density, while the 9 months postoperative graft height was compared to the immediate postoperative height using computed tomography scans. RESULTS: All grafted sides showed similarity to the contralateral sides regarding both alveolar width and bone density with minimal crestal bone resorption. CONCLUSION: The double iliac corticocancellous bone plate grafting technique seems to be a reliable method for alveolar cleft reconstruction with adequate bone quality and contour.

Orthodontic Pre Grafting Closure of Large Alveolar Bony and Soft Tissue Gaps: A Novel Nonsurgical Protraction of the Lesser Segments in Growing Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

BACKGROUND: Closure of wide alveolar clefts with large soft tissue gaps and reconstruction of the dentoalveolar defect are challenging for the surgeon. Some authors successfully used interdental segmental distraction, which requires an additional surgical procedure. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effectiveness of tooth borne devices utilized to orthopedically advance the lesser segments, with a complete approximation of the soft tissue of the alveolar stumps, allowing traditional simultaneous soft tissue closure and bone grafting, and avoiding the need for supplementary surgery. METHODS: Eight growing patients, 2 with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and 6 with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCLP), with large soft tissue and bony alveolar defects prior to bone grafting were prospectively selected. A banded rapid palatal expander (RPE) in BCLP and a modified RPE in UCLP combined with protraction face mask in younger patients or a modified Alt-Ramec in patients older than 12 years were applied. Radiographic and photographic records were available at T0, at the end of protraction (T1) and at least 1 year after bone grafting (T2). RESULTS: Patients with large gaps showed a significant reduction in the bony cleft area and approximation of the soft tissues at T1. All patients received bone grafting with good healing and ossification at T2. CONCLUSION: In growing patients with UCLP and BCLP with large gaps, presurgical orthodontic protraction seems to be an efficient method to reduce the cleft defect, minimizing the risk of post grafting fistulas, reducing the need for supplementary surgical procedures.

Mechanical Tension-Stress in Alveolar Cleft Repaired With Autogenous Bone in Canine Models.

OBJECTIVE: Cleft lip and/or palate is a common birth defect worldwide, always accompanied by alveolar cleft. However, the success rate of secondary alveolar bone grafting is unsatisfactory. Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) often used after bone transplantation provides functional stimulation for bone graft area. This study aimed to investigate the effect of RME force on the bone graft area and midpalatal suture, and screen out the most suitable loaded force and loaded teeth, so as to provide a reference for clinical treatment. METHODS: Fourteen 24-week-old male beagles were assigned randomly to 3 groups: blank control, autogenous, and autogenous with RME. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to evaluate the distribution and value of the stress in the model. The maxillae were collected and subjected to radiography and helical computed tomography to evaluate new bone formation in the graft area. Van Gieson's Picrofuchsin staining was performed for histomorphological observation. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of RME treatment, new bone formation of the dogs was markedly accelerated, and bone resorption was significantly reduced compared with the untreated dogs or those only treated with autogenous iliac bone. The treatment with RME evidently made the bone trabecula more abundant and the area of bone formation larger. Three-dimensional finite element analysis showed that the clinical effect can be achieved by using canine teeth as the loaded teeth and applying force of 10 MPa. CONCLUSION: Rapid maxillary expansion after bone grafting had a positive effect on osteogenesis in a canine model of alveolar cleft.

Impact of a new combined preoperative cleft assessment on dental implant success in patients with cleft and palate: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Bone height assessment alone is frequently used to guide rehabilitation choice, without consideration for soft tissues or adjacent teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different preoperative cleft assessments on implant success and patient satisfaction. METHODS: The study involved a retrospective assessment of records from 40 patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The alveolar cleft score (ACS; clinical criteria), interdental alveolar bone height (IABH) score (radiological criteria), patient compliance score (dental hygiene, medical visit observance, and smoking), and a novel combined score (IABH-ACS-Compliance) were assessed from patient records. Patients who required prosthetic tooth rehabilitation in the cleft dental arch space were included. Twenty-six patients (Group 1) were treated with dental implants, and 14 patients (Group 2) selected another prosthetic option (fixed prosthodontics, removal prosthesis), orthodontic space closure, or no rehabilitation. The main outcomes measured were relative implant success (no implant loss involving marginal bone loss ≤ 1.9 mm) for patients treated with dental implant therapy (Group 1) and patient satisfaction for all patients (Groups 1 and 2). RESULTS: Forty dental implants were placed in the patients in Group 1. Four implants in four patients (Group 1 relative failure, RF) were lost (implant survival rate of 90%) after 36 (± 12.4) months of follow-up. Twenty-two patients who received implants belonged to the relative implant success group (Group 1 RS). The average "IABH-ACS-Compliance" scores were significantly different (p < 0.05): 16.90 ± 2.35 and 12.75 ± 0.43 for the Group 1 RS and RF groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative cleft parameters have an impact on relative implant success and patient satisfaction. The new cleft assessment combined-score ("IABH-ACS-Compliance") allows an accurate selection of cleft cases eligible for dental implants, thereby improving postoperative outcomes.

Evaluation of Two Computerized Methods for Presurgical Volumetric Analysis in Secondary Alveolar Cleft Bone Grafting: A Prospective Study.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to evaluate presurgical computerized volumetric analysis in secondary alveolar cleft bone grafting (SABG) and the time taken for calculation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) via two different software programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with unilateral alveolar clefts were investigated using CBCT. Two independent investigators did presurgical volumetric analysis for each patient's CBCT data using two different methods. Method A involved On-Demand 3D software (Cybermed Inc., Korea), while method B involved InVesalius 3 software (CTI, Brazil). The volume outcomes and time spent for measurements were compared between both software programs. Interobserver reliability and descriptive and t-test statistics were computed, and statistical significance was considered when p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: There was not a statistically significant difference between clefts' volumetric measurements by the two methods via both investigators (p = 0.186 and 0.069). However, the difference in time taken for these measurements between the two methods was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values indicated excellent interobserver reliability for measurements by method A (ICC ~ 0.998), and moderate reliability for method B (ICC ~ 0.626). CONCLUSIONS: Both software programs used in this study had comparable volumetric computation. Method B took much less calculating time than method A. The interobserver reliability was high for both methods. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These both investigated software programs may show a clinical implication for presurgical alveolar cleft volume measurement, thus reducing the surgical operating time and adequately selecting a donor site with a congruent sufficient amount of bone grafts.

Repair of alveolar cleft bone defects by bone collagen particles combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar cleft is a type of cleft lip and palate that seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. In this study, a model of the alveolar cleft phenotype was established in rabbits to evaluate the effect of bone collagen particles combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) on the repair of alveolar cleft bone defects. METHODS: A model of alveolar clefts in rabbits was established by removing the incisors on the left side of the upper jaw bone collagen particles combined with HUC-MSCs that were then implanted in the defect area. Blood biochemical analysis was performed 3 months after surgery. Skull tissues were harvested for gross observation, and micro-focus computerised tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Tissues were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical staining. The experiments were repeated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Bone collagen particles and HUC-MSCs showed good biocompatibility. Bone collagen particles combined with HUC-MSCs were markedly better at inducing bone repair and regeneration than bone collagen particles alone. CONCLUSIONS: Combining HUC-MSCs with bone collagen particles provides a simple, rapid and suitable method to fill a bone defect site and treat of alveolar cleft bone defects.

Incidence of complications in secondary alveolar bone grafting of bilateral clefts with premaxillary osteotomy: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors affecting incidence of complications after secondary alveolar bone grafting with premaxillary osteotomy (SABG + PO) in children with complete bilateral cleft of lip and palate (BCLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from children with BCLP treated with SABG + PO from 2004 to 2014 at our institute. Preoperative parameters included age, donor site, race, gingival health, bone quality around cleft-related teeth, premaxilla position, graft timing, presence of canines in the cleft, and presence of deciduous teeth around the cleft area. Logistic regression and the chi-squared test were used to assess correlations and the incidence of complications. RESULTS: In the 64 patients, a significant correlation was found between complication rate and timing of bone grafting with respect to early versus late SABG + PO (p = 0.041), age > 12 years (p = 0.011; odds ratio (OR) 5.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49-23.93), malposition of the premaxilla (p = 0.042; OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.04-10.13), and preoperative bone quality around cleft-related teeth (p = 0.005; OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.6-17.2). CONCLUSIONS: The timing of SABG + PO is essential, as early SABG + PO is associated with fewer complications. A malpositioned premaxilla and poor bone quality around cleft-related teeth are associated with more complications. Therefore, preoperative orthodontic repositioning of the malpositioned premaxilla before SABG + PO should be considered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of treatment protocols and complications for BCLP patients underscores that proper timing of SABG + PO and correct premaxilla repositioning help reduce complications.

Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction Using Morphogenetic Protein (rhBMP-2): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the existing evidence regarding reconstruction of the alveolar cleft using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in terms of bone volume and bone height. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PATIENTS­PARTICIPANTS: A systematic search was done. Randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials, where rhBMP-2 was used in the reconstruction of human alveolar cleft were included. INTERVENTIONS: Reconstruction of alveolar cleft with rhBMP-2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Average bone volume formation and average bone height formation in the alveolar cleft. Mean difference was calculated and pooled by meta-analysis. RESULTS: Of 709 identified articles, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. The average bone volume formation was higher in the rhBMP-2 group than in the control group (61.11% vs 59.12%). The average bone height formation was higher in the control group compared to the rhBMP-2 group (75.4% vs 61.5%). The risk of bias in the selected articles was high. The meta-analysis showed that rhBMP-2 treatment may benefit bone formation compared to iliac crest graft (low certainty evidence; mean difference: -208.76; 95% confidence interval: -253.59 to -163.93; -I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in primary articles are promising but have a high risk of bias and have low quality of evidence; therefore, it is necessary to conduct controlled clinical trials with a greater number of patients to recommend the use of rhBMP-2 in the treatment of the alveolar cleft. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018077741.