BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation of normal function and form is essential in cleft lip repair. In 2005, Dr. David M. Fisher introduced an innovative method, named “an anatomical subunit approximation technique” in unilateral cleft lip repair. According to this method, circumferential incision along the columella on cleft side of the medial flap is continued to the planned top of the Cupid's bow in straight manner, which runs parallel to the unaffected philtral ridge. Usually, small inlet incision is needed to lengthen the medial flap. On lateral flap, small triangle just above the cutaneous roll is used to prevent unesthetic shortening of upper lip. This allows better continuity of the Cupid’s bow and ideal distribution of tension. CASE PRESENTATION: As a modification to original method, orbicularis oris muscle overlapping suture is applied to make the elevated philtral ridge. Concomitant primary rhinoplasty also results in good esthetic outcome with symmetric nostrils and correction of alar web. As satisfactory results were obtained in three incomplete and one complete unilateral cleft lip patients, indicating Fisher’s method can be useful in cleft lip surgery with functional and esthetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically applied Fisher's method in unilateral cleft lip patients proved the effectiveness in improving the esthetic results with good symmetry. This method also applied with primary rhinoplasty.
Bays ; Cleft Lip ; Humans ; Lip ; Methods* ; Rehabilitation ; Rhinoplasty ; Sutures

This clinical report described the oral rehabilitation of a cleft lip and palate patient with removable partial denture. Although implant-supported fixed treatment was presented as part of the optimum treatment plan to achieve the best result, the patient declined this option due to the significant financial burden. Persons with a congenital or craniofacial defect are unique, and oral problems must be evaluated individually to the most ideal treatment. The changes in appearance, function, and psychological wellbeing have an enormous impact on patients' personal lives and are rewarding for the maxillofacial prosthodontist providing this care.
Cleft Lip/*rehabilitation ; Cleft Palate/*rehabilitation ; Dentistry/methods ; Denture Design ; Denture, Overlay ; *Denture, Partial, Removable ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Palatal Obturators

Cleft lip and palate is one of the congenital anomalies which need comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment plan because 1) oral cavity is an important organ with masticatory function as a start of digestive tract, 2) anatomic symmetry and balance is esthetically important in midfacial area, and 3) it is also important to prevent psycho-social problems by adequate restoration of normal facial appearance. There are many different protocols in the treatment of cleft lip and palate, but our department has adopted and modified the Zurich protocol, as published in the Journal of Korean Cleft Lip and Palate Association in 1998. The first challenge is feeding. Type of feeding aid ranges from simple obturators to active orthopedic appliances. In our department we use passive-type plate made up of soft and hard acrylic resin which permits normal maxillary growth. We use Millard's method to restore normal appearance and function of unilateral complete cleft lip. In consideration of both maxillary growth and phonetic problems, we first close soft palate at 18 months of age and delay the hard palate palatoplasty until 4 to 5 years of age. When soft palate is closed, posterior third of the hard palate is intentionally not denuded to allow normal maxillary growth. In hard palate palatoplasty the mucoperiosteum of affected site is not mobilized to permit residual growth of the maxilla. We have treated a patient with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate by Ajou protocol, which is a kind of modified Zurich protocol. It is as follows: Infantile orthopedics with passive-type plate such as Hotz plate, cheiloplasty with Millard's rotation-advancement flap, and two stage palatoplasty. It is followed by orthodontic treatment and secondary osteoplasty to augment cleft alveolus, orthognathic surgery, and finally rehabilitation with conventional prosthodontic treatment or implant installation. The result was good up to now, but we are later to investigate the final result with longitudinal follow-up study according to master plan by Ajou protocol.]]>
Cleft Lip ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Intention ; Maxilla ; Mouth ; Orthognathic Surgery ; Orthopedics ; Palate ; Palate, Hard ; Palate, Soft ; Prosthodontics ; Rehabilitation