New technique for creating permanent experimental alveolar clefts in a rabbit model.

Alveolar bone grafting is an adjunctive procedure that has become increasingly popular in the rehabilitation of patients with cleft lip and palate. A histologic basis of the performance of bone grafts is required to evaluate properly different grafting materials. This, however, cannot be provided by clinical studies on humans. Therefore, an animal model with a simulated alveolar cleft is needed. A number of animal models has been previously proposed by other investigators. The problems associated with each model are presented and a surgical technique for the creation of permanent alveolar clefts in rabbits is described. Clinical and histologic findings 6 weeks postoperatively confirm the establishment of a 1-cm wide defect with oronasal communication and healthy epithelial lining. This animal model can be efficiently used for the testing of various bone grafting materials.