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Updated: Dec 29, 2025
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Long-term comparison study of philtral ridge morphology with two different techniques of philtral reconstruction
F C-S Chang1, C G Wallace2, Y-C Hsiao3
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Craniofacial Research Centre, Department of Medical Research, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Department of Craniofacial Orthodontics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital, Xiamen, China.
Abstract:
Cleft lip and/or cleft palate are the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies. Philtral ridge morphology is an important aesthetic component of unilateral cleft lip (UCL) repair. To this end, we have developed two techniques of philtral ridge reconstruction: (1) asymmetric mattress muscle sutures, and (2) overlapping mattress muscle sutures. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to compare their outcomes in UCL repairs. Group I patients (n=30) underwent UCL repair before August 2003, including philtral ridge reconstruction by asymmetric mattress muscle sutures. Group II patients (n=30) underwent UCL repair after August 2003, including philtral ridge reconstruction by overlapping mattress muscle sutures. Philtral morphology was evaluated by ultrasonographic and three-dimensional photographic measurements, examining cleft side philtral projection and philtral ridge symmetry. These demonstrated that group II patients had better philtral column symmetry and projection on the cleft side when compared to group I. Overlapping mattress muscle sutures produced better philtral morphology in UCL repairs than asymmetric mattress muscle sutures.
