Simultaneous cortex bone plate graft with particulate marrow and cancellous bone for reliable closure of palatal fistulae associated with cleft deformities.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of simultaneous cortex bone plate (CBP) graft with particulate marrow and cancellous bone (PMCB) graft for reliable closure of palatal fistulae associated with alveolar clefts.

DESIGN

Following standard secondary bone graft preparation of the cleft site, CBP harvested from the medial iliac crest was inserted into the palatal deficiency. This was followed by suturing the palatal mucosa. PMCB was then packed between the cortical bone and the reconstructed nasal floor.

SETTING

Ten consecutive patients with palatal fistula were operated on at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital from 1998 to 2000. Primary palatal repair was performed in 7 out of 10 patients at our center and in 3 out of 10 patients at other hospitals.

PATIENTS

Ten patients (6 boys and men, 4 girls and women) with a palatal fistula associated with an alveolar cleft were studied. Ages ranged from 12 to 26 years.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent simultaneous CBP graft with PMCB graft for closure of palatal fistula under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Complete closure of palatal fistulae were obtained in 8 out of 10 cases. A very small asymptomatic fistula remained in one patient. Total necrosis of the labial flap with a residual palatal fistula occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous CBP graft with PMCB graft could be more reliable than PMCB alone for closure of a cleft associated palatal fistula.