Prospective analysis of secondary alveolar bone grafting in cleft lip and palate patients

To assess the success of the uptake of bone graft in cleft alveolus of the cleft lip and palate patients, quantitatively through computed tomography (CT) scan 6 months postoperative. To assess the successful eruption of permanent lateral incisor or canine in the bone grafted area.

The children age group of 9-21 years with unilateral cleft lip and palate came to the hospital, needing secondary alveolar bone grafting. A detailed history and clinical examination of the patient was taken. A 3D CT scan was taken and the volume of the cleft was measured pre-operatively. After ambulatory period, 3D CT scan of the alveolar cleft region was taken and volume of the bone grafted was measured and patient was discharged from the hospital. After 6 months, patient was recalled and again 3D CT scan was taken and the volume of remaining bone was measured.

The mean volume of the defect pre-operatively is 0.80 cm(3) with a standard deviation of 0.36 cm(3) with minimum volume of the defect 0.44 cm(3) and maximum volume of the defect 1.60 cm(3). The mean volume of the bone post-operative immediately after grafting is 1.01 cm(3) with a standard deviation of 0.52 cm(3) with minimum of bone volume is 0.48 cm(3) and maximum of 2.06 cm(3). The mean volume of the bone after 6 months after bone grafting is 0.54 cm(3) with a standard deviation of 0.33 cm(3), minimum bone volume of 0.22 cm(3) and maximum bone volume of 1.42 cm(3).

The CT scan is a valuable radiographic imaging modality to assess and follow the clinical outcome of secondary alveolar bone grafting.