Cleft cluster: a strategy for concurrent correction of multiple secondary clefting deformities.

We have developed a strategy for concurrent correction of multiple secondary clefting deformities based on the model proposed by Henderson and Jackson [1] which combines several cleft-related procedures. We have expanded this concept significantly to include as many as eleven procedures. The selected procedures are dictated individually by patients' needs. The constellation of corrective cleft-related surgeries has been given the name "cleft cluster" in the interest of simplicity. We are reporting on our experience with 85 consecutive patients using this approach. All patients in this series received bone grafting of the alveolar cleft as the primary procedure, plus multiple additional procedures as necessary. None of the patients reported received primary lip or palate surgery by the authors. The average number of procedures performed was 7.2. The average hospitalization was 4.1 days. The patients have been followed from 1 to 7 yrs. The fistula recurrence rate was 8%. Average patient age was 16.8 yrs with a range of 8 to 54 yrs. This approach eliminates multiple hospitalizations and outpatient procedures, allows flexibility to individualize patient care, provides consistent results, and is cost-effective.