A modified muscle-activated maxillary orthopedic appliance for presurgical nasoalveolar molding in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe a modified appliance and treatment approach for presurgical nasoalveolar molding in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate. METHODS: This approach uses a plate held in with outriggers, which prevents the cleft-widening effect of the tongue, helps with tongue tip placement, and utilizes the functional movements of the facial musculature to guide and relocate the major segment medially to its normal position. Nasal molding is undertaken after most of the lateromedial correction of the alveolar position. CONCLUSIONS: This technique helps to improve alveolar position, nasal septum alignment, nasal symmetry, and nasal tip projection prior to lip repair.     

Modified Activation Technique for Nasal Stent of Nasoalveolar Molding Appliance for Columellar Lengthening in Bilateral Cleft Lip/Palate

Bilateral cleft lip/cleft palate is associated with nasal deformities typified by a short columella. The presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy approach includes reduction of the size of the intraoral alveolar cleft as well as positioning of the surrounding deformed soft tissues and cartilages. In a bilateral cleft patient, NAM, along with columellar elongation, eliminates the need for columellar lengthening surgery. Thus the frequent surgical intervention to achieve the desired esthetic results can be avoided. This article proposes a modified activation technique of the nasal stent for a NAM appliance for columellar lengthening in bilateral cleft lip/palate patients. The design highlights relining of the columellar portion of the nasal stent and the wire‐bending of the nasal stent to achieve desirable results within the limited span of plasticity of the nasal cartilages. With this technique the vertical taping of the premaxilla to the oral plate can be avoided.     

唇腭裂患儿的鼻牙槽塑形治疗:29例临床分析

目的:采用鼻牙槽塑形器对唇腭裂患儿进行术前唇、牙槽裂隙及鼻畸形矫正,观察鼻牙槽塑形疗效,总结矫治过程中出现的问题及解决对策,为鼻牙槽塑形治疗的开展提供参考。方法:选择在本院接受鼻牙槽塑形治疗的患儿29例,其中单侧唇腭裂19例,双侧唇腭裂10例;初诊年龄为出生后3～150d,矫治周期2.5～3个月,每2周复诊,调整矫正器。结果:参照鼻牙槽塑形治疗评价标准,17例患儿矫治成功,唇、牙槽裂隙明显缩小,鼻不对称畸形明显改善,鼻小柱延长;9例好转,唇、鼻畸形部分纠正,利于手术;3例患者放弃治疗。结论:鼻牙槽塑形成功的关键因素包括初诊年龄、印模、腭护板和鼻撑的调整、鼻模的应用;正畸科需要与口腔颌面外科、整形外科医师取得共识,尽早给患儿开始治疗,以提高手术效果。     

Early and late treatment of unilateral cleft nasal deformity.

Surgical techniques have been developed to correct nasal deformity associated with unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate. This deformity can be significantly corrected during the primary cleft lip repair, as performed by the technique described by the author. Secondary corrective procedures focus mostly on skeletal support and lining distortions as well as on rearrangements of lower lateral cartilages. At the final stage, esthetic appearance can be significantly improved by contour remodeling with the addition of cartilage and/or bony implants. Choice of surgical technique depends upon the severity of the deformity and the experience and proficiency of the surgeon. At the present time, correction of the nasal deformity associated with a unilateral cleft is an integral part of primary cleft lip repair and part of multidisciplinary management of cleft deformities.     

Treatment of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity

The lack of tip projection on the affected side of a unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity can be difficult to correct due to lack of adequate structural support. A new technique for the correction of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity is described. The key components of the technique involve the use of a dorsally angulated unilateral spreader graft on the cleft side and the use of an L-shaped septal graft to provide support to the cleft nasal tip.     

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding in infants with cleft lip and palate.

Presurgical infant orthopedics has been employed since the 1950s as an adjunctive neonatal therapy for the correction of cleft lip and palate. In this paper, we present a paradigm shift from the traditional methods of presurgical infant orthopedics. Some of the problems that the traditional approach failed to address include the deformity of the nasal cartilages in unilateral as well as bilateral clefts of the lip and palate and the deficiency of columella tissue in infants with bilateral clefts. The nasoalveolar molding (NAM) technique we describe uses acrylic nasal stents attached to the vestibular shield of an oral molding plate to mold the nasal alar cartilages into normal form and position during the neonatal period. This technique takes advantage of the malleability of immature cartilage and its ability to maintain a permanent correction of its form. In addition, we demonstrate the ability to nonsurgically construct the columella through the application of tissue expansion principles. This construction is performed by gradual elongation of the nasal stents and the application of tissue-expanding elastic forces that are applied to the prolabium. Use of the NAM technique has eliminated surgical columella reconstruction and the resultant scar tissue from the standard of care in this cleft palate center.     

Extraoral nasal molding in a newborn with unilateral cleft lip and palate: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to introduce an extraoral nasal molding appliance (ENMA) and treatment approach for presurgical nasoalveolar molding in newborns with unilateral cleft lip and palate. METHODS: A 15-day-old girl presented with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. A circumferential headband supported the actual nasoalveolar molding device, which consisted of a nasal stent made from a 0.8-mm stainless steel helical spring. The spring was activated at 2-week intervals. DISCUSSION: The shape of the cartilaginous septum, alar cartilage tip, medial and lateral crus and alveolar segments were molded to resemble the normal shape of these structures. ENMA can be helpful in any patient with unilateral cleft lip and palate because it is easy to fabricate, practical to activate, and comfortable to wear and use.     

Nasoalveolar Molding with Active Columellar Lengthening in Severe Bilateral Cleft Lip/Palate: A Clinical Report

Severe bilateral cleft‐lip/palate patients are difficult to manage even if nasoalveolar molding therapy is advocated before surgical repair. A 5‐day‐old male infant with bilateral cleft‐lip‐palate was managed with the nasoalveolar molding technique. Periodic adjustments of the appliance were continued every week to mold the nasoalveolar complex into the desired shape for the 5 months of infancy. The cleft width of 12 mm on the right and 14 mm on the left side was completely reduced, and the absent columella was lengthened to 6 mm with the active molding appliance. The horizontal bar of the nasal stent of the appliance was modified by adding an additional 1 mm layer of resilient liner on the tissue surface to achieve rapid columellar lengthening. In severe bilateral cleft‐lip/palate cases, simple modifications in the appliance can achieve rapid results.     

Simplifying cleft surgery by presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) for infant born with unilateral cleft lip,alveolus, and palate: A clinical report

PatientA 2-day-old female infant with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (left side) was presented to the Department of Prosthodontics, Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur for evaluation and treatment with presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) prior to surgical intervention.DiscussionThe alignment of the alveolar segments creates the foundation upon which excellent results of primary lip and nasal surgery are dependent in the repair of the cleft lip, alveolus, and palate patient. Presurgical infant orthopedics has been employed since the 1950s as an adjunctive neonatal therapy for the correction of cleft lip and palate. One of the problems that the traditional approach failed to address was the deformity of the nasal cartilages and the deficiency of columella tissue in infants with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the step-by-step fabrication process of the PNAM prosthesis used to direct growth of the alveolar segments, lips, and nose in the presurgical treatment of cleft lip and palate.ConclusionAs a result, the primary surgical repair of the lip and nose heals under minimal tension, thereby reducing scar formation and improving the esthetic result. Frequent surgical intervention to achieve the desired esthetic results can be avoided by PNAM.     

The central lip flap and nasal mucosal rotation advancement: important aspects of composite correction of the bilateral cleft lip nose deformity

The columella, nasal tip, lip relationship in the secondary bilateral cleft deformity remains an enigma and a great challenge for the cleft surgeon. A subset of patients with bilateral cleft lip still require columellar lengthening and nasal correction, despite the advances in preoperative orthopedics and primary nasal corrections. An approach to correct this deformity is described. This consists of (1) lengthening the columella by a central lip advancement flap; (2) open rhinoplasty, allowing definitive repositioning of lower lateral cartilages, ear cartilage grafting to the tip and columella when necessary; (3) nasal mucosal advancement; (4) alar base narrowing; and (5) reconstruction of the orbicularis oris as required. Depending on the individual assessment of the patients, some of these steps were not performed, leaving the nasal mucosal advancement the most important aspect of the reconstruction. In a consecutive series of 72 patients with repaired bilateral cleft lip and palate, 17 patients have been treated with nasal mucosal rotation advancement and followed up for a maximum period of 10 years. With the use of this technique, the secondary bilateral cleft lip nose deformity has been successfully corrected.     

Comprehensive rhinoplasty technique to correct the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using conchal composite grafts.

INTRODUCTION: Anatomical abnormalities and heterogeneous tissue deficiencies of the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity challenges the cranio-maxillofacial plastic surgeon to create a functional, yet aesthetically pleasing nose. The authors propose a comprehensive rhinoplasty technique to correct the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using composite conchal grafts. PATIENTS: Five children with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities had nasal reconstruction using conchal composite grafts, averaging 5 years in age at time of surgery. Patient follow-up averaged 21 months. METHODS: An open tip rhinoplasty was performed using a 'V' shaped columellar incision. The conchal composite graft was obtained from the lateral aspect of the ear and was used to reconstruct the lateral alar mucosal defects. Conchal cartilage was used as a columellar strut. The columellar skin was closed in a 'V-Y' fashion, giving greater columellar length. RESULTS: Visual inspection confirmed that the cleft lip nasal deformity was improved in all patients. There were no postoperative complications. All patients had complete composite graft take with minimal donor site morbidity and deformity. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive rhinoplasty technique improves the abnormalities found in bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity by using the successful aspects of other methods and introducing the composite conchal graft.     

Presurgical Orthopaedic Nasoalveolar Molding in Cleft Lip and Palate Infants: A Comparative Evaluation of Cases Done With and Without Nasal Stents

Addressing the craniofacial anomaly of cleft lip and palate presurgically has been done since more than 50 years now, with a constant improvisation of the treatment protocols from time to time. The present study deals with a modification of the technique devised 16 years ago. The effect of nasal stents attached to a pre-surgical naso-alveolar molding (PNAM) appliance on the nasal morphology achieved prior to primary surgical correction of the cleft lip was to be evaluated. Twenty subjects, infants with cleft lip and palate, less than 2 months of age were selected for presurgical nasoalveolar molding treatment. Impressions were recorded, casts made and PNAM appliance fabricated. Ten infants were given the appliance without nasal stents and to the other ten appliances nasal stents were added. The patients were recalled every 2–3 weeks and a series of 9 measurements were recorded every visit along with adjustments made to the appliance for desirable effects on the lip, alveolus and nose. This was carried out till the patient was taken up for lip repair. The final measurements obtained at the end of the presurgical treatment were recorded. Mann-Whitney test, between study and control group showed that the increase in the columella length was statistically significant (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.033) in the study group as compared to the control group. Also the increase of the nasal tip projection (mean = 1.30 mm) in the study group was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.006) as compared to the control group. We concluded that nasal stents attached to the alveolar molding appliance, yield significant improvement of the nasal morphology and better nasal aesthetics presurgically.     

上颌-鼻软骨整形矫治器在婴儿双侧完全性唇腭裂术前正畸中的应用

目的 探讨上颌-鼻软骨整形矫治器在婴儿期双侧完全性唇腭裂术前正畸中的应用价值.方法 对50例双侧唇腭裂患儿,随机分为试验组(n＝30)与对照组(n＝20),试验组于出生10 d～1个月内进行上颌-鼻软骨整形矫治器矫治,对照组均不做术前正畸.两组患儿正畸治疗前(T1)后(T2)对比上唇裂隙、上前牙槽突裂隙关闭程度,对比两组唇腭裂联合整复术后3个月鼻翼外观满意度,作出评价.结果 两组患儿T1、T2两侧上唇裂隙及牙槽突裂隙宽度差别无统计学意义(P＞0.05).患儿术后鼻翼外观满意度试验组87%,高于对照组60%(P＜0.05).结论 该治疗有效减少上唇及上颌骨牙槽突的裂隙宽度,改善鼻外观,达到降低手术难度,增加手术效果的目的.     

Secondary correction of nasal abnormalities associated with cleft lip.

Approximately 30% of patients will require a second operation for correction of nasal abnormalities associated with unilateral cleft lip. In a single second operation, the following steps seem to give the most satisfactory correction: repositioning the nasal septum in the midline; altering the contour of the alar cartilage on the cleft side; and rotation of the axis of the external naris on the cleft side. The usual result following this combination of procedures is moderate but not complete correction of the abnormality. About 50% of the patients will need a second operation for correction of nasal abnormalities associated with bilateral cleft lip. Satisfactory correction of the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity is usually obtained by lengthening the columella (which secondarily corrects a flat nasal tip) and narrowing the width of the nose at the level of the alae. Satisfactory restoration to normal is usually obtained by the aforementioned procedure.     

Mild incomplete cleft lip repair

Of all the methods for repair of the unilateral cleft lip, none has gained as much popularity as the rotation advancement. Limitation of the technique leads to various modifications. It is well known that different cleft lip patients have different deformities. However, the modifications are always focused on nasal symmetry and alar base position. We found out that some microform incomplete cleft lip patients have distinctive appearance, of which the cleft located on the lower upper lip, nasal deformity is mild, and distinctive appearance presents a terrace before the peak on cleft side where it is always marked no. 9 according to rotation-advancement principle. We describe an individual technique to repair this kind of condition, which is different from Millard rotation-advancement principle. The design marking of the technique is around the cleft, and no additional incisions are located on the white lip and nasal base.     

A new modified forked flap with subcutaneous pedicles for adult cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity: from normalization to aesthetic improvement

In adult cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity, an esthetically satisfying result can not be obtained only by manipulation inside the nose with the nasal tip pointing upward. The nasal tip should be made in a more anterior direction for nasal esthetic improvement. Additional tissue beyond the nose is needed, and the forked flap is a useful method in such cases. However, the blood circulation of long and narrow flaps containing the scar, especially after open rhinoplasty, is unstable. We have developed a new long and narrow forked flap that has a more stable blood circulation. The forked flap was made using two subcutaneous pedicles attached to the periphery of the each flap. We applied this flap to five adult cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Four of the cases had the scar associated with the flying bird incision, and one case required no treatment after the primary repair. All the flaps took without signs of partial necrosis. In all cases, the nasal tip was projected forward with adequate columella elongation, and the profile was esthetically improved. In the final stage of correction for adult cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity, this method, making maximum use of the tissue containing the scar in not only the white lip but also the vermilion, is very effective. It is very important to obtain nasal esthetic improvement for the adult patient with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.     

Quantitative analysis of aesthetic outcomes of morphofunctional septorhinoplasty for secondary cleft lip nasal deformity

The main aim of this study was to assess nasal symmetry after morphofunctional septorhinoplasty, more specifically, symmetry of the alar base and nostrils, and nasal projection, in patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft nasal deformities. Secondary cleft rhinoplasty was performed using morphofunctional septorhinoplasty techniques in 150 patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and nose deformities. Nasal changes were analysed by measuring nasal tip projection, nostril height, nostril width, alar base width, and nasal gap area preoperatively and postoperatively on standard submentovertex view 2-dimensional photographs. In the unilateral cleft group there were statistically significant improvements (p<0.001) in ratios of nasal height and width (p=0.024) and nasal gap area, and in nasal tip projection and alar base width. In the bilateral cleft group there were statistically significant improvements in nasal gap area ratio (p=0.009), nasal tip projection, and alar base width. The morphofunctional septorhinoplasty technique improved aesthetic outcomes.     

Unilateral cleft lip repair--state of the art.

OBJECTIVE: A number of surgical techniques are utilized to correct the unilateral cleft lip, including variations of the rotation-advancement technique. This attests to the variability of the original deformity and the esthetic and functional results from any one technique, especially those based on traditional geometric rearrangement of the skin and associated tissues. RESULTS: Most recent advances in cleft lip repair have occurred in two main areas. The morphological result has been improved by functional muscular reconstruction of the lip with or without orthopedic molding. Early correction of the nasal deformity has also been readvocated based on newer principles with excellent results demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Further work continues in these areas and improved outcomes will continue to be seen along with a clearer understanding of surgical affects on growth and development.     

Three-Dimensional Comparison in Palatal Forms Between Modified Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Plate and Hotz's Plate Applied to the Infants With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

The presurgical nasoalveolar molding plate appliance with stent (PNAM) extended from the palatal molding plate; to correct the nostril shape of infants with cleft lip and palate is well known. The PNAM appliance is based on the finding that a high degree of plasticity is maintained in the cartilage of infants during the first 6 weeks after birth. However, on the current PNAM protocol described by Grayson et al. the nasal stent is supposed to be an adjunct to the palatal molding plate after reducing the severity of the alveolar cleft width. We have used the modified Hotz's plate from the setup model and built up the nasal stent even before reducing the severity of the alveolar deformity. In this study we assess the effects of the modified Hotz's plate and the modified PNAM appliance for the alveolar and palatal form. The lateral deviation of the incisal point, the width of the palatal cleft, and the degree of curvature of the palatal vault were first evaluated on plaster models. The PNAM group is smaller on the lateral deviation of the incisal point than the modified Hotz's group. The decreased average width of the palatal cleft and curvature of the palate, was almost the same in both the modified Hotz's and PNAM groups. In comparison with the modified Hotz's plate, the modified PNAM appliance also improves the molding of the alveolar segments and reduces cleft width.     

双侧唇裂术后鼻唇畸形的修复

目的 报道双侧唇裂术后鼻唇畸形修复的一种新方法。方法 在双侧鼻孔的内侧沿鼻小柱皮肤粘膜交界缘向下达鼻小柱基部并经鼻底向外达外侧脚外侧并绕鼻翼外侧脚弧形向上;在上唇正中上部画出叉形瓣切口线;再在双侧鼻孔底部上唇瘤痕两侧画垂线至唇红缘。然后切开鼻底及鼻翼外侧脚皮肤,在鼻翼内侧脚上端缝合。将叉形瓣向上推形成鼻小柱下端。切除上唇瘢痕组织,必要时可设 Abbe瓣经旋转180°后按粘膜、肌层及皮肤层缝合。10～14天行Abbe瓣断蒂。结果 用该术式对34位患者进行了手术,术后鼻唇外形、鼻小柱长度及鼻孔大小趋于正常。上唇过紧得到了松驰。结论 该术式对双侧唇裂术后鼻唇畸形矫正有用。