OBJECTIVETo study a new method of simultaneous repair of alveolar cleft and the deformity of the nose and lip.

METHODS42 patients with cleft of alveolar process were included in this study. We filled the cleft of alveolar process with iliac cancellous bone and covered the depression of piriform aperture and the nasal side with iliac cartilage. Simultaneously, we corrected the nasal deformity using V-Y plasty of a mucosa-cartilage compound flap at the nasal vestibule.

RESULTSIn the patients aged 9 approximately 11 years, the mean height of the repaired alveolar process was 86.7%; the mean thickness was 89.6%; the contour and function of the alveolar process was grade I or II. The canine erupted at the place of bone grafting. The depression of the piriform aperture and alae nasi was repaired. The contour of the nares was symmetrical. In the patients over 12 years, the mean height of the alveolar process was 70.1%; the mean thickness was 71.7%; the contour and function of the alveolar process was grade II or III. The deflexion of nasal dorsum and nasal dome was not ameliorated in 2 patients of 18 years old.

CONCLUSIONSThe application of iliac cancellous and chondral bone to simultaneously repair cleft of alveolar process and the nasal deformity is an ideal plastic method. It can recover the height of alveolar process and the continuity of dental arch, ameliorate the nasal deformity, and redress the deflexion of nasal dorsum and nasal end. It can also eliminate the psychological obstacle of the patients at an early stage.