[Secondary closure of alveolopalatal clefts with bone grafts]

Alveolar defects and bucconasal openings, often observed in patients with sequellae from multiple corrective procedures for cleft lip and palate, gain considerable importance when failing to provide adequate support for emerging lateral and canine teeth, thus producing occlusal instability in the transverse and antero-posterior plans. A study was undertaken with 30 patients with alveolopalatine clefts subjected to secondary closure with iliac bone grafting, through various surgical techniques. The techniques, ages of patients, adequate integration of graft to its new implant site and type of fissure or cleft involved more duly evaluated. Good results were attained through these techniques, and their usefulness, success and ideal age for their application are widely discussed, with a review of relevant literature.