[Reposition osteoplasty of the median process in bilateral labiomaxillary clefts]

Twenty two bilateral cleft lips accompanied by a premaxilla protusion and associated with cleft palates have been operated according to the technic called "Premaxilla Reposition Osteoplasty". This operation must follow the cheiloplasty. It is often preceeded by an orthopedic appliance, used to make place for the premaxilla. The main goals are: to normalize the incisors level in relation with the one of the decidual canines and molars; to obtain a synostosis of premaxilla and lateral parts of the cleft maxilla osteous ridges; to close the residual vestibular and palatal hiatus. The good results observed in twenty cases have made easier the complementary orthodontic or surgical treatments.