Electromyographic verification of viable muscle tissue following a double-pendulum flap procedure for surgical repair of bilateral cleft lip.

Five patients were seen in an electromyographic study of the double pendulum flap method of bilateral cleft lip repair. All five patients displayed active orbicularis oris muscle tissue. By bringing lateral lip segments to the center of the cleft, the double pendulum flap method restores muscular function and improves cosmetic appearance. This surgical procedure may be modified to be performed on other anomalies resulting from a discontinuity of muscular tissue.