Objective evaluation of the Tajima secondary cleft lip nose correction.

The early and late results of the Tajima cleft nose correction were objectively measured by computer on 24 unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patients (age range 5-29 years, median 14). Follow-up records were divided into early (within 3 months), intermediate (3 months to 1 year) and late (1 year+); the longest follow-up was 4.2 years. Comparison of the preoperative records with the early and intermediate follow-up photographs showed an improvement in symmetry (Wilcoxon signed rank, P < 0.01). In the late follow-up group the deformity recurred and the nasal shape could not be statistically separated from the preoperative appearance. A group of 25 normal control faces showed no changes, whilst 20 control cleft patients had some worsening of nasal symmetry over the same time scale. Analysis of the components of the corrected noses showed the best improvement (and later relapse) was in dome symmetry.