[Secondary bone grafting in cleft lip and palate]

Results of reconstruction of residual alveolar bone defects in 52 patients operated between 1990-1998 were evaluated clinically and radiographically in a retrospective study. Ages ranged between 9-37; 30 were males. The donor site of bone grafts in all was particulate cancellous marrow from the anterior iliac crest. 32 had unilateral clefts and 20 bilateral. Total cleft sites treated was 72. Best results were achieved when bone grafting was carried out prior to the eruption of the canine tooth. The cleft space was closed and oro-nasal fistulas were eliminated in 42 (80%). Success rates in unilateral and bilateral cases were significantly different.