Surgical management of Binder's syndrome: lessons learned

Maxillonasal dysplasia, commonly known as Binder's syndrome, is unmistakably characterized by midfacial hypoplasia and a retruded flat nose. The condition is variably expressed, and reconstruction must be tailored to the individual. Controversy still exists over the optimal age for surgery and the ideal treatment strategy. In a review of 24 patients with Binder's syndrome treated at the Chang Gung Craniofacial Centre over a period of 17 years, the authors examine the evolution of their experience treating patients with this condition. Maxillary osteotomies were rarely required and were reserved only for patients with severe and symptomatic class 3 malocclusion. Effective augmentation of the skeletal deficiencies in the midface was achieved with onlay bone or cartilage grafts. Nasal augmentation was performed with bone or cartilage grafts to the dorsum, columella, and tip. Cartilage is preferred over bone as graft material because it retains its volume and is less prone to resorption. Silastic implants can be a useful adjunct to cartilage in cases for which donor availability is limited. To minimize the risk of infection and extrusion, however, silastic implants are always limited to the nasal dorsum and always used in conjunction with cartilage grafts to the columella and tip. The authors prefer to defer surgery until midfacial growth is nearly complete, when the patient is in his or her mid-teenage years. Earlier surgery is indicated if the condition presents a significant psychological strain to the patient. In such cases, a silastic nasal implant can be used as a temporary corrective measure.