Does different cranial suture synostosis influence orbit volume and morphology in Apert syndrome?

This study was performed to compare the orbital and peri-orbital morphological variations in Apert syndrome patients with different cranial vault suture synostosis, so as to provide an anatomic basis for individualized surgical planning. Computed tomography scans of 57 unoperated Apert syndrome patients and 59 controls were subgrouped as follows: type I, bilateral coronal synostosis; type II, pansynostosis; type III, perpendicular combinations of cranial vault suture synostoses. Orbit bony cavity volume was significantly reduced in type I and type II, by 19% (P < 0.001) and 24% (P < 0.001), respectively. However, the reduction of orbital cavity volume in type III did not reach statistical significance. Globe volume projection beyond the orbital rim, however, increased by 76% (P < 0.001) in type III, versus an increase of 54% (P < 0.001) in type I and 53% (P < 0.001) in type II, due to different ethmoid and sphenoid bone malformations. Maxillary bone volume was only significantly reduced in type I bicoronal synostosis (by 24%, P = 0.048). Both type I and type II developed relatively less zygoma and sphenoid bone volume. Different cranial vault suture synostoses have varied influence on peri-orbital development in Apert syndrome. Instead of mitigating the abnormalities resulting from bicoronal synostosis in type I, additional midline suture synostosis worsens the exorbitism due to a more misshaped ethmoid.

Nasopharyngeal airway and subcranial space analysis in Pfeiffer syndrome.

Tracheotomy in infancy helps patients with Pfeiffer syndrome to survive by preventing respiratory crisis, but difficulty in decannulation may consequently be a challenge. This study has investigated the regional abnormalities of the nasopharyngeal airway in children with Pfeiffer syndrome to provide an anatomical basis for the surgical treatment and decannulation of the upper airway. Seventy-two preoperative computed tomograms (CT) (Pfeiffer syndrome n=30; control n=42) were included. The airway volume, cross-sectional area, and cephalometrics were measured using Materialise software. Patients with Pfeiffer syndrome developed a 50% (p<0.001) reduction of nasal airway volume, and a 44% (p=0.003) restriction in pharyngeal airway volume. In patients with Pfeiffer syndrome the cross-sectional area at the choana was only half that of the controls (p<0.001). The posterior width of the nasal airway in patients with Pfeiffer syndrome was shortened by 13% (p=0.003), and the height reduced by 21% (p<0.001). The cross-sectional areas at the condylion and gonion levels, which indicate the calibre of the pharyngeal airway at the entrance and midsection, were reduced by 67% (p<0.001) and 47% (p<0.001), respectively, when compared with the controls. The volume of the nasal airway in patients with Pfeiffer syndrome was significantly restricted in length, height, and width, and by choanal stenosis in all cases in this cohort. The reduced anteroposterior length of the nasal airway contributed to the shortened maxilla more than the anteroposterior position. The limited height and width of the nasal pathway was the result of a hypoplastic sphenoid. Restricted mediolateral and anteroposterior dimensions were evident across the entire course of the pharyngeal airway. Mediolateral maxillary expansion in addition to maxillomandibular advancement is therefore likely to benefit these patients.

Racial disparity in orbital morphology and spatial relations in unoperated Crouzon patients.

The altered orbital morphology of patients with Crouzon syndrome could have an impact on the planning of treatment in diverse populations, in spite of the confounding influences of different cranial suture synostosis. This study attempted to explore the differences in orbital characteristics between Asian, Caucasian patients with Crouzon syndrome, associated pansynostosis. Eighty-six preoperative computed tomograms (CT) were included (Asian Crouzon syndrome: n=10; Asian controls: n=24; Caucasian Crouzon syndrome: n=19; Caucasian controls: n=33) and measured using Mimics software (Materialise). Unique cephalometric measurements related to orbital morphology and position were designed. Crouzon syndrome and race both have interactive effects on protrusion of the globe (p=0.009) and medial horizontal angle (p=0.012) in the assessment of orbital morphology. They also interact in the width of the ethmoid sinus (p=0.009) and influence bilateral orbital relations. The anteroposterior orbital roof in Caucasian patients with Crouzon syndrome was shortened by 4.09mm (p=0.002) compared with Caucasian controls. However, in Asian patients this dimension developed normally. The anteroposterior orbital floor was significantly reduced to a similar extent in both Asian and Caucasian Crouzon patients (both p<0.001). The visual axes in Caucasian patients with Crouzon showed more inferior rotation, by 4.38° (p=0.031) than they did in Caucasian controls, but did not achieve a statistically significant difference in other comparisons. The effect of Crouzon syndrome on orbital malformation and placement is influenced by race, especially structures related to the ethmoid sinus. Asian patients need greater infraorbital advancement for better correction of orbital proptosis and aesthetic benefits, but may require less fronto-orbital advancement than Caucasian patients.

Growth patterns of the airway in Crouzon syndrome patients with different types of cranial vault suture synostosis.

The severity of obstructive respiratory difficulty varies among affected Crouzon syndrome patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the restricted airway volume in Crouzon syndrome and the associated type of cranial vault suture synostosis. Computed tomography scans of 68 unoperated Crouzon syndrome patients and 89 control subjects were subgrouped into four types: type I, bilateral coronal synostosis; type II, sagittal synostosis; type III, pansynostosis; type IV, perpendicular combinations of synostoses. Measurements were made using Mimics software. Of type I Crouzon patients, 42% had a restricted nasal airway (P=0.002), while the pharyngeal airway volume was not significantly reduced. Type II Crouzon patients grew normal segmental airway volumes. Crouzon patients of type III developed simultaneously reduced nasal and pharyngeal airway volumes in infancy, by 38% (P=0.034) and 51% (P=0.014), respectively. However, the nasal airway achieved a normal volume by 2 years of age without any intervention, while the pharyngeal airway remained significantly reduced up to 6 years of age, by 42% (P=0.013), compared to controls. Type IV Crouzon patients developed a reduced nasal airway volume (32%, P=0.048) and a non-significant restricted pharyngeal airway (18%, P=0.325). Airway compromise in Crouzon syndrome is variable when associated with different craniosynostosis fusion patterns. Type II (sagittal synostosis) Crouzon patients grew a normal nasopharyngeal airway volume. Those with types I (bicoronal synostosis) and IV (perpendicular synostoses) had significantly restricted nasal airways and a tendency towards a reduced pharyngeal volume. Type III (pansynostosis) Crouzon infants had the worst restriction of both airways, although there was some improvement with age.

Distinguishing craniomorphometric characteristics and severity in metopic synostosis patients.

The decision about which metopic synostosis patients should undergo surgery remains controversial. Multiple measures for radiographic severity have been developed in order to determine the optimal criteria for treatment. The aim of this study was to perform an extensive craniomorphometric analysis of patients who underwent surgery for metopic synostosis to validate and compare the various severity scales developed for this non-syndromic craniosynostosis. A comparative morphometric analysis was performed using computed tomography scans of preoperative metopic synostosis patients (n=167) and normal controls (n=44). Measurements included previous and newly developed metopic severity indices. Volumetric and area analyses were used to determine the degree of anterior cranial area and potential volume restrictions. Of the severity indices measured, the frontal angle, endocranial bifrontal angle (EBF), adjusted EBF (aEBF), anterior cranial fossa angle, horizontal cone angle, and bitemporal/biparietal distance ratio were significantly different in the metopic subjects relative to controls overall. However, metopic index, orbital rim angle, foramen ovale distance, and cranial volume exhibited no significant difference from controls. Only the frontal angle and aEBF correlated with the changes in anterior cranial dimensions observed in metopic synostosis. In conclusion, the frontal angle and aEBF provide the most accurate measures of severity in metopic synostosis.

Racial disparity of Crouzon syndrome in maxilla and mandible.

The racial disparity of facial features in craniosynostosis patients is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore the difference in maxillary and mandibular morphology and spatial position in Asian and Caucasian Crouzon syndrome patients. Ninety-one computed tomography scans were included (12 Asian Crouzon syndrome patients, 22 Asian controls; 16 Caucasian Crouzon syndrome patients, 41 Caucasian controls) and measured using Materialise software. The maxillary and mandibular volumes of Asian patients were both reduced by 19% (P=0.102 and P=0.187), and those of Caucasian patients were reduced by 15% (P=0.142) and 14% (P=0.211) when compared to the respective race-specific controls. Maxilla length of Asian patients was reduced by 6.36mm (14%, P=0.003), while the reduction in Caucasian patients was 4.88mm (10%, P=0.038). ANS was retracted 11.99mm (P<0.001) in Asian patients and 11.54mm (P<0.001) in Caucasian patients. The ANB angle was narrowed by 13.17° (P<0.001) in Asian patients compared to Asian controls, and by 7.02° (P<0.001) in Caucasian patients compared to Caucasian controls. The retrusive midface profiles of Asian and Caucasian Crouzon syndrome look similar; both result from the combined effect of hypoplastic size and backward displacement. However, the insufficiency was found to be more a failure of the anteroposterior maxillary length in Asian patients, and more due to posterior maxillary positioning in Caucasian patients. Therefore, prognathism in Crouzon syndrome patients is more likely caused by displacement rather than elongation of mandibular length in both races. Crouzon syndrome results in the same extent of overall volume deficiency of the maxilla and mandible in these races.

National Patterns in Surgical Management of Syndactyly: A Review of 956 Cases.

Purpose: Being one of the most common congenital hand malformations, syndactyly is repaired by orthopedic, plastic, and fellowship-trained general surgeons. Limited multi-institutional outcomes analyses regarding incidence, timing, and type of repair exist. Methods: All syndactyly cases performed over a 5-year period from 2012-2016 were isolated from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database. Patient demographics, surgical factors, perioperative outcomes, and risk factors were analyzed using χ2, Fisher exact, and t-test analysis. Results: A total of 956 patients who underwent syndactyly repair were identified. Most cases were simple syndactyly with nearly even case distribution among plastic and orthopedic surgeons. Most patients were men and Caucasian. Mean age at the time of surgery was 2.6 years. Most cases were performed as outpatient surgery. Patients of plastic surgeons had significantly more airway abnormalities and shorter operative times. Patients with complex syndactyly had significantly more ventilator dependence, tracheostomy, and comorbidities when compared with those with simple syndactyly. Cases with complex syndactyly also had longer operative times and a higher rate of superficial surgical site infections. Conclusions: Syndactyly repair is a safe procedure with few major or minor reconstructive complications regardless of the surgical specialty or syndactyly type. Patients with complex syndactyly have significantly more preoperative comorbidities with comparable outcomes. orthopedic surgeons have significantly longer operative times than plastic surgeons, likely due to caring for increased number of patients with complex syndactyly.

Orbit, zygoma, and maxilla growth patterns in Crouzon syndrome.

The facial malformations of Crouzon syndrome involve the entire cranio-orbito-zygomatic region. The detailed sequence of changes in orbit, zygoma, and maxilla over time, the mutual influence among these three anatomical structures, and their relationship with the cranial base were studied to determine the sequence and timing of deformity. Preoperative CT scans of 36 patients with Crouzon syndrome (mean age 10.84±14.70years; 14 male, 22 female) and CT scans of 54 control subjects (mean age 8.53±13.22years; 29 male, 25 female) were divided into five subgroups by age: 0-6 months, 6 months-2 years, 2-6 years, 6-18 years, and 18-62 years. Craniofacial morphometric cephalometrics were analyzed using Materialise software. Crouzon orbit anteroposterior length was shorter before 6 months (P=0.021) and remained shorter into adulthood (P<0.001). Globe projection was greater across all age subgroups (P<0.001), reaching a peak at 6 months to 2 years (P<0.001). The increased medial orbital width was the most remarkable and persistent secondary deformity (P<0.001). The zygoma anterior protrusion was retruded before 6 months of age (P<0.001), but then improved gradually. The width of maxilla was greater by 24% in the Crouzon cohort (P<0.001), with a difference of 16% before 6 months (P=0.024), and was developed earlier than the shortened anteroposterior length. Crouzon high and shallow orbital walls are distinctive. Maxillary widening developed before the malformation of sphenoid. The anteroposterior position of zygoma is likely a principal deformity, rather than a reflection of the intrinsic shape of the bone. Level of Evidence: II.

Anterior convex lateral orbital wall: distinctive morphology in Apert syndrome.

Bony malformations of the orbit and alterations to the soft tissue in Apert syndrome contribute to ophthalmic dysfunction. Recognised structural malformation of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses, together with corresponding deformities in the anterior and middle cranial base, are characteristic. Our aim was to explore the underlying structural components of disfigurement and the consequent development of the orbit in patients with Apert syndrome over time by studying 18 preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans of affected patients and 36 scans from controls. Cephalometric measurements related to the orbit were collected, and analysed with Materialise software. The patients with Apert syndrome had larger than normal external orbital horizontal angles between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. The inside horizontal angle was narrower at 16.36° before 6 months, and continued to decrease into adulthood. The ethmoid and sphenoid side angles in affected patients consistently increased, starting at 7.93% and 14.68% of the external horizontal angle, respectively, during the first 6 months of age, and becoming 20.55% and 11.69%, respectively, in adulthood. In unaffected patients, both angles were less than 3% of the external horizontal angle overall. The orbital vertical angle also changed synchronously, with increasingly wide lateral orbits and shortened anteroposterior orbits. The anterior protrusion of the lateral orbital wall resulted from superior and posterior rotation of a curved, greater wing of the sphenoid, while the widened median orbital wall was caused by the widened ethmoid sinus. These resulted in bony deformities of the orbit, which predisposed to the visual impairments of Apert syndrome.

The impact of body mass index on reduction mammaplasty: a multicenter analysis of 2492 patients.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty is commonly performed in women who are considered obese by the body mass index (BMI) classification of the World Health Organization. OBJECTIVES: The authors compare complication rates among breast reduction patients, stratified by BMI, across multiple institutions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all reduction mammaplasties in the database of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for 2006 through 2010. Demographic, comorbidity, and BMI data were collected. Data on medical and surgical complications, reoperation, and mortality were collected through 30 days postsurgery. RESULTS: Of 2492 patients, 55% were considered obese (BMI >30). The overall rate of surgical complications was 4.0%, increasing from 2.4% for BMI <25 to 7.1% for BMI >45 (P = .006), with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.97 for BMI >45 versus BMI <25. The most common surgical complication was superficial surgical site infection; it was found in 2.9% of patients, increasing from 2.1% for BMI <25 to 5.1% for BMI >45 (P = .03). The medical complication rate was 0.6%, and the reoperation rate was 2.1%. There were no deaths. A maximal point analysis showed that BMI ≥39 was associated with a significantly higher complication rate, with an odds ratio of 2.38. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction mammaplasty is a safe surgical procedure, even when performed on obese patients. However, patients with higher BMI have a greater risk of surgical site complications. This risk should be discussed preoperatively with obese patients.

Retinoids, 585-nm laser, and carbon dioxide laser: a numeric comparison of neocollagen formation in photoaged hairless mouse skin.

BACKGROUND: A variety of new methods for treating photoaging have been recently introduced. There has been increasing interest in comparing the relative efficacy of multiple methods for photoaging. However, the efficacy of a single method is difficult to assess from the data reported in the literature. METHODS: Photoaged hairless mice were randomly divided into seven treatment groups: control, retinoids (tretinoin and adapalene), lasers (585 nm and CO(2)), and combination groups (585 nm + adapalene and CO(2 )+ adapalene). Biopsies were taken from the treated regions, and the results were analyzed based on the repair zone. The repair zones of the various methods for photoaging were compared. RESULTS: Retinoids produced a wider repair zone than the control condition. The 585-nm and CO(2) laser resurfacing produced a result equivalent to that of the control condition. A combination of these lasers with adapalene produced a wider repair zone than the lasers alone, but the combination produced a result equivalent to that of adapalene alone. CONCLUSION: Retinoids are potent stimuli for neocollagen formation. The 585-nm or CO(2) laser alone did not induce more neocollagen than the control condition. In addition, no synergistic effect was observed with the combination treatments. The repair zone of the combination treatment is mainly attributable to adapalene.

Calcium-sensing receptor abrogates secretagogue- induced increases in intestinal net fluid secretion by enhancing cyclic nucleotide destruction.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) provides a fundamental mechanism for diverse cells to detect and respond to modulations in the ionic and nutrient compositions of their extracellular milieu. The roles for this receptor are largely unknown in the intestinal tract, where epithelial cells are normally exposed to large variations in extracellular solutes. Here, we show that colonic CaSR signaling stimulates the degradation of cyclic nucleotides by phosphodiesterases and describe the ability of receptor activation to reverse the fluid and electrolyte secretory actions of cAMP- and cGMP-generating secretagogues, including cholera toxin and heat stable Escherichia coli enterotoxin STa. Our results suggest a paradigm for regulation of intestinal fluid transport where fine tuning is accomplished by the counterbalancing effects of solute activation of the CaSR on neuronal and hormonal secretagogue actions. The reversal of cholera toxin- and STa endotoxin-induced fluid secretion by a small-molecule CaSR agonist suggests that these compounds may provide a unique therapy for secretory diarrheas.

Web-based medicine as a means to establish centers of surgical excellence in the developing world.

The growth of the Internet has provided a unique opportunity for rapid, global communication. Web-based medicine uses this technology to help surgeons in developing regions of the world gain direct access to recognized experts. This serves to empower local surgeons in the developing world through direct skill-transfer and encouraging academic pursuit. Web-based medicine follows the paradigm of a university without borders, therefore requiring exacting patient record keeping, monthly peer review, and continuing medical education of all its participants. All those who participate in Web-based medicine have undergone a credentialing process to guarantee that they possess adequate credentials. Patient confidentiality is strictly maintained. Web-based medicine also provides a follow-up strategy for medical volunteer groups who provide overseas services. Interplast, Inc., has administered a Web-based medicine site at http://www.wiredmd.com since July of 1999. A total of 767 cleft malformation cases performed locally by participating host surgeons in the developing world have been reviewed through the site. Additionally, 16 consultations have been posted and discussed by participating surgeons worldwide. Financing remains the major impediment to the globalization of this technology.

A preliminary report of the virtual craniofacial center: development of Internet-/Intranet-based care coordination of pediatric craniofacial patients.

The authors present preliminary information regarding the development of an Internet-based Virtual Craniofacial Center that provides access to a patient database with visual and textual data. Patients are photographed by digital camera with standardized images. Through a Web site linked to a remote database, patient demographics, management data, reports, and acquired digital photographic images are stored and retrieved. The database can be used to sort and to present data as desired by multiple specialists. Confidentiality is maintained by unique identification numbers and password access to the server for craniofacial team members. The current system uses economical equipment (i.e., digital camera, personal computer with modem, and access to a remote Windows NT-based server), using data that can be entered in a variety of cross-platform personal computer systems and transmitted on a wide range of bandwidths-from a relatively low-bandwidth (28.8 KB per second) modem to a high-speed T-3 line connection. Long-term goals include archival data storage and analysis, as well as the development of multicenter telemedicine links for active craniofacial centers.

Long-term outcome of embolotherapy and surgery for high-flow extremity arteriovenous malformations.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term efficacy of embolotherapy in combination with surgery for management of symptomatic high-flow arteriovenous malformations (HFAVMs) of the lower and upper extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with symptomatic high-flow lower extremity AVMs (LE-AVMs; n = 9) and upper extremity AVMs (UE-AVMs; n = 11) were treated from 1982 to 1999. All nine patients with LE-AVM had pain and seven had ulceration of the skin. All 11 patients with UE-AVM had debilitating pain, seven had weakness of the affected hand, and two had bony erosion. Embolization of the nidus beneath the site of maximum pain or ulceration was performed percutaneously from the femoral artery through coaxially placed microcatheters (n = 18) or surgical cutdown (n = 2). Cyanoacrylate (isobutyl or n-butyl) diluted with iophendylate or ethiodized oil was used in 19 of 20 patients. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in eight of nine patients with LE-AVM (mean, 8.6 y) and nine of 11 patients with UE-AVM (mean, 7.4 y) after treatment. One patient with localized LE-AVM was functioning well 13 years after embolotherapy and another was functioning well 16 years after undergoing three embolotherapy procedures and two skin grafts. Five of nine patients with LE-AVM required below-the-knee (n = 4) or above-the-knee (n = 1) amputation 1-6 years after technically and clinically successful embolotherapy. All three trifurcation arteries were diffusely involved in HFAVM in patients requiring amputation. Healing of the two amputation sites, involved by AVM at the knee, was excellent after preoperative geniculate artery embolotherapy. All 11 patients with UE-AVM experienced marked symptomatic improvement; seven after embolotherapy alone and the other four after resection of AVM. One complication of digital spasm was reversed by administration of nerve blocks. CONCLUSIONS: LE-AVM with diffuse involvement of all three trifurcation arteries ultimately required amputation because of recurrence of symptoms after technically and clinically successful embolotherapy. Cyanoacrylate embolotherapy alone or in combination with surgical resection of the AVM provided excellent long-term palliation in patients with UE-AVM.

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor-induced rickets.

We describe two prepubertal girls with oncogenic rickets. The first patient, 9 years of age, presented with recent-onset lower-extremity pain. The second girl, presented at 4 years of age following a 9-month period of muscle weakness, bone pain, and poor linear growth. Laboratory analyses in both patients revealed hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphaturia; elevated circulating alkaline phosphatase activity was present in one of them. Radiographic evidence of a generalized rachitic process was evident in both cases. Computerized tomography of the paranasal sinuses and facial bones in patient 1 revealed a small lesion eroding through the inner table of the left mandibular ramus. Microscopic examination of this mass revealed a spindle cell neoplasm with chondroid material, dystrophic calcification, and both osteoclast-like and fibroblast-like cells. Prominent vascularity and marked atypia were present. These features are consistent with a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of the mixed connective tissue variant. In the second patient, computerized tomography revealed a lytic lesion located in the right proximal tibia, with histologic features consistent with a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of the nonossifying fibroma-like variant. Resection of each tumor resulted in rapid correction of the phosphaturia and healing of the rachitic abnormalities. A careful search for small or occult tumors should be carried out in cases of acquired phosphaturic rickets.

Hypochondriasis: the patient's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to learn how patients with hypochondriasis view their physicians and medical care. METHOD: To accomplish this, we identified 20 patients with DSM-III-R hypochondriasis and 26 nonhypochondriacal patients from a general medicine clinic. Using a semistructured interview, we obtained information from patients about their recent health problems and medical care. The investigators then reviewed transcribed interviews and assigned comments to a series of categories. RESULTS: Hypochondriacal and non-hypochondriacal patients made equal numbers of positive comments, but hypochondriacal patients made significantly more negative comments about physicians' professional characteristics, characteristics of the patients themselves and total negative comments. Many viewed physicians they had seen as unskilled and uncaring. They indicated that, in many instances, their relationships with physicians had suffered from poor communication and collaboration. CONCLUSION: Since successful management of patients with hypochondriasis rests upon positive relationships, ways must be found to improve the frustrating and costly situation that currently exists.

Spontaneously infected cephalohematoma: case report and review of the literature.

Spontaneously infected cephalohematomas are rare occurrences; only five cases have been reported previously. Uninfected cephalohematomas are common and usually resolve without treatment. However, physicians should be aware that cephalohematomas are potential sites for infection and may require aspiration for diagnosis and treatment. Untreated infected cephalohematomas may lead to osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, or subdural empyema. We present a case of a spontaneously infected cephalohematoma with an associated osteomyelitis which was successfully managed with drainage and long-term antibiotics. A review of the literature is also presented.

Complete congenital bony syngnathia in a case of oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome.

Congenital fusion of the maxilla and mandible (syngnathia) is rare and can present in a wide range of severity from single mucosal bands (synechiae) to complete bony fusion (synostosis). Congenital synostosis of the mandible and maxilla is even less common than synechiae, with only 19 cases reported in the literature. Most of them have presented as an incomplete, unilateral fusion. Only three of the reported cases showed more extensive but still incomplete, intermaxillary bony fusion. We present a case of complete bony fusion of the maxilla and mandible associated with a cleft palate, hypoglossia, micrognathia, unilateral choanal atresia, and limb abnormalities as a feature of oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome. Details of operative management are presented.

Long-term outcome analysis of two treatment methods for cleft palate: combined levator retropositioning and pharyngeal flap versus double-opposing Z-plasty.

OBJECTIVE: Two surgical techniques for repair of a cleft palate include levator retropositioning in combination with a pharyngeal flap and the Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty. This study compared morbidity and speech results from the use of these two methods in an effort to determine which was the superior technique. DESIGN: Patient records from 1986 to 1996 were retrospectively reviewed, and 10 patients with a cleft palate who underwent repair with a levator retropositioning and pharyngeal flap were compared to 14 patients who underwent a double-opposing Z-plasty repair. Postoperative complications including fistula formation, obstructive sleep apnea, and residual velopharyngeal insufficiency were recorded. Speech was assessed perceptually and through the use of nasometry. RESULTS: Both surgical techniques resulted in good speech in the majority of patients. Only two patients in the study, both in the Z-plasty group, had severe postoperative hypernasality. Two patients in the levator retropositioning and pharyngeal flap group developed severe postoperative obstructive sleep apnea, requiring additional surgery. CONCLUSION: The levator retropositioning and pharyngeal flap technique was successful in achieving good speech results, but it also caused more serious postoperative complications when compared to the double-opposing Z-plasty technique.