Ectomesenchymal mandibular symphysis bone graft: an improvement in alveolar cleft grafting?

Bone grafting the alveolar cleft in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients is widely accepted. A traditional graft is the iliac crest. Other bone graft donor sites are briefly discussed. The ratio for an ectomesenchymal bone graft in alveolar cleft repair is explained. Aspects of the embryology, bone graft physiology, and reports on mandibular symphysis bone grafting are discussed.