[Electromyography study on complete bilateral cleft lip after reparation.]

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial surgery
• Muscle physiology
• Biomedical engineering

Context:

• Complete bilateral cleft lip presents significant challenges in restoring lip function and aesthetics.
• Surgical techniques aim to reconstruct the orbicularis oris muscle for improved lip dynamics.
• Objective evaluation of surgical outcomes is crucial for advancing treatment protocols.

Purpose:

• To objectively evaluate the electromyographic (EMG) motion effects of complete bilateral cleft lip repairs.
• To compare the functional outcomes of orbicularis oris muscle restoring techniques versus straight-line suture methods.
• To determine the efficacy of functional muscle repair in complete bilateral cleft lip surgery.

Summary:

• Electromyography was used to measure lip muscle activity in 45 patients with repaired complete bilateral cleft lips.
• Patients were divided into two groups: those treated with orbicularis oris muscle restoration and those with straight-line sutures.
• Results showed significantly better electrical activity in the prolabium for the muscle-restoring group compared to the straight-line suture group at maximal contraction.

Impact:

• The study highlights the superiority of functional orbicularis oris muscle restoration over straight-line sutures for complete bilateral cleft lip repair.
• Findings underscore the necessity of muscle-preserving and functional repair techniques in craniofacial surgery.
• This research provides objective evidence to guide surgical decision-making and improve patient functional outcomes.