The use of bone grafts in orofacial clefts.

In the repair of orofacial clefts can be used various techniques of bone transplantations. The authors describe the long term experience with untoward effects of primary bone grafts on the growth of the maxilla. They discuss the effects of a secondary bone graft consisting of a compact bone. This bone graft, however, does not eliminate the defect of the alveolar process. They prefer the technique of an autotransplantation of spongious bone grafts applied after the onset of puberty. This graft reconstructs he threshold of the nostril and the alveolar process. It exerted favorable effects on the development of the alveolar process and of the anterior segment of the maxilla.