Facial growth in adulthood after primary periosteoplasty or primary bone grafting in UCLP.

OBJECTIVE

The primary research aim of this study was to compare long-term differences in craniofacial morphology at adulthood between two groups of unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients: one operated by primary periosteoplasty and the other by primary bone grafting.

DESIGN

The two groups were followed longitudinally at 5-year intervals; this study examined the 15- to 20-year age range.

SETTING

University hospital/center located in Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic.

PATIENTS: 17 men with primary bone grafting, 29 men with primary periosteoplasty.

INTERVENTIONS: Primary bone grafting or periosteoplasty.

METHODS

Serial cephalometric radiographs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Conventional cephalometric and finite element measures.

RESULTS

The mandibular symphysis was larger in the bone-grafted group. The periosteoplasty group displayed a more horizontal growth of the mandible with less rotation than the bone-grafted group. There were no other significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the original outcomes differences observed in childhood and adolescence were masked by skeletal and dental compensations in adulthood. These observations can be attributed to both natural growth and clinical intervention.