Stabilization of premaxilla repositioned during secondary bone grafting in complete bilateral cleft lip and palate patients.

Secondary bone grafting simultaneous to premaxillary repositioning is a well-recognized surgical procedure for the management of bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Proper stabilization of the repositioned premaxilla is considered as a key factor for the success of secondary bone grafting because the mobility of the premaxillary segment jeopardizes graft integration. This case series reports a reliable method of premaxillary stabilization that incorporated the intrasurgical application of resin bone cement to cover and reinforce the arch bars or orthodontic brackets applied on the maxillary teeth. Occlusal loads were reduced by application of posterior bite blocks on the mandibular teeth. The stabilization method was performed on 7 patients (5 women and 2 men) with a mean age of 12.4 years. During postsurgery follow-ups, the repositioned premaxillary segments did not show mobility in any of the patients. The palatal fistulae were completely closed. Panoramic radiographies taken 2 months after surgery demonstrated acceptable graft integration. The patients have now been followed up to 5 years. No evidence of relapse has been observed. This technique seemed to be undemanding, included minimal laboratory procedure, and maintained the labial mucosa overlying the repositioned segment intact.