Early secondary osteotomy-stabilization of the premaxilla in bilateral clefts.

Using the same arguments as for early bone grafting of the alveolar process in unilateral clefts, the cleft team of the University of Nijmegen started about 10 years ago to apply early osteotomy-stabilization of the premaxilla to bilateral clefts. A series of 13 cases with a minimum follow-up of 15 months is presented. The patients were operated on at the age of 8 2/12 to 12 5/12 years. The results are considerably better than when doing the same operation in the adult. More than 90% are successful. In comparison with adults we additionally register more favourable eruption of the canine, the possibility of closing the dental arch without prosthetic appliances and in some cases also the elimination of a psychological handicap. The inhibition of growth by this operation seems not to be important. If need be, Le Fort I osteotomies are possible after completion of growth. They will be in one piece which is technically easier than the usual three-segment Le Fort I. In conclusion we prefer early secondary osteotomy and stabilization of the premaxilla to the tertiary operation.