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Monica CAR, Roberto OU (2020) Radiographic evaluation of secondary alveolar graff in the closure of alveolar fissures of patients with cleft lip and palate. Int J Oral Craniofac Sci 6(2): 021-027. DOI: 10.17352/2455-4634.000046The X-ray evaluation of alveolar bone graft in lip-toveal palatines is one of the relevant topics in the management of this type of pathology since there are several studies conducted with parameters that are taken to determine the timing of the graft and its feasibility, as well as find the most accurate form and measure the integration of grafting dares of radiographic studies.
Objective: to measure the radiographic integration of secondary alveolar graft in the closure of alveolar fissures of patients with cleft lip and palate.
Material and method: observational, analytical, retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive, open, and series of cases from May 2013 to August 2019.
Results: The radiographic size of the preoperative and postoperative bone defect was measured, both on the Chelsea scale and the planimetry proposed in this study. In alveolar planimetry, Wilcoxon’s test for horizontal dimension showed no significant difference, the vertical dimension in initial X-ray versus subsequent showed significant difference to treatment. For the Chelsea scale, a square Xi analysis was performed comparing initial vs. later X-rays, showing that there is significant difference.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate greater integration than reported in international literature. Orthopedic treatment, reaching GOSLON 1, helps us from a more stable and close anatomical state to reconstruction. The planimetry proposed in this study adds detail to other scales, as it showed more sensitivity than the Chelsea scale.
In the rehabilitation of patients with Cleft Lip and Palate (LPH) the treatment of alveolar fissure is essential, and secondary alveolar bone grafting with freeze-dried allogeneic bone represents an option with great therapeutic potential. Since no donor site is required generating greater morbidity in the patient and research has been proven that allogeneic bone can also be mixed with autogenous bone to improve graft volume in large clefts, which can save the patient an intervention of the bilateral iliac crest It is called the lip and palate cleft to the craniofacial malformation is congenital whose commitment is particularly focused on the upper lip , premaxil, hard and soft palate, therefore floor of nostrils. (Orthopedic and surgical treatment of the cleft lip and palate in children under two years of age. Evidence and Recommendations Guide: Mexico Clinical Practice Guide).
The most popular treatment protocols have been European ones, having on the one hand the Milan protocol of 1975 that indicated perform pre-surgical orthopedics, closure of the lip and nasal fissure; and subsequent reconstruction of the soft palate approximately 4 to 6 months of age, then closing the crack of the hard palate between 18 and 24 months of age and finally closing the alveolar fissure with a secondary bone graft before the canine rash between 10 and 12 years of age. From 1988 the Milan protocol was modified to simultaneously close the palatine fissure and the alveolar fissure (FA) the latter by means of a gingivoalveolplasty and avoid bone graft surgery at 10 years [1].
On the other hand, Oslo’s surgical protocol includes the closure of the lip fissure (FLP) at 3 months of age at the same time as repairing the hard palate to a layer only of volleyball flap without any presurgical orthopedics; subsequently close the palatine fissure at 18 months of age. Alveolar cleft is repaired with a bone graft between 8 and 11 years [2].
From 1988 ones the Milan protocol was modified to simultaneously carry out the closure of the palatine fissure and the alveolar fissure (FA) the latter by means of a gingivoalveoplasty and to avoid bone graft surgery at 10 years [1].
On the other hand, Oslo’s surgical protocol includes the closure of the lip crack (FLP) at 3 months of age at the same time as repairing the hard palate to a only layer of vomer flap without any pre-surgical orthopaedics; subsequently close the palatine fissure at 18 months of age. The alveolar slit is repaired with a bone graft between 8 and 11 years [2].
However, in 1998, it was reported that more than 200 different treatment protocols existed in Eurocleft alone, giving an idea of how difficult it is to unify treatment methods and criteria [3]. Due to the existence of many different treatment philosophies, the timing of treatment is considerably variable between cleft palate and lip centers. Special considerations may alter the sequence or time of the various procedures based on the functional or aesthetic needs of the individual [4].
The management of the alveolar fissure can be classified as primary, early secondary, secondary and late alveolar graft. The primary is done before the age of 2 and is usually done with the primary closure of the lip crack. Early secondary alveolar graft is performed between 2 and 5 years. Secondary alveolar graft is performed between the ages of 5 and 13 and is usually based on dental rash. And the late graft after the age of 13 [5].
The primary alveolar graft was described in the 1950s by Nordin and Johansen who presented an autologous bone graft concomitant with the repair of soft lip and palate tissues. This concept gained popularity because at the same time they addressed both soft tissues and bone deficit and creates the possibility of harmonious facial growth and development. (12) Advantages include early stabilization of alveolar segments and improved arc shape, although alterations in the growth of the facial middle third have led to the abandonment of primary graft in several treatment centers [5].
The secondary alveolar bone graft is the most attractive and popular method for treating alveolar fissures. It is suggested when half of the canine root is almost complete. At this point in root development, the tooth shows an accelerated and active rash. On the other hand, it is considered that 75% to 90% of the dimensions of adult jaws are reached at 5 years. Therefore, it is possible that maxillary growth will not be significantly altered if the graft was performed at that time [5,6].
The timing of these grafts should be evaluated individually to aid the natural rash of the tooth in the cracked region. Corrective surgeries are performed using autologous, allogeneic and synthetic materials for the reconstruction of the alveolar fissure [7].
Evaluation should begin with the history of all previous surgeries and complete physical examination, which includes: teethadjacent to the fissure, fissure size, fistulas present, dental arch shape, degree of bow collapse, cross bite, and position of the premaxilla in case of a bilateral cleft. The image is essential and typically a panoramic x-ray is satisfactory. A medical-grade CT scan is not recommended [5].
Mars, et al. (1987) published a method called GOSLON (Great Ormond Street, London and Oslo) criterion to rate the outcome of treatment in patients with HPL. Patients are classified into five groups [8]. Based on the maxillary and molar ratio, in which the objective is to improve the conditions of the bone processes by squealing them and within these five optimal groups are those in group 1.2 and 3 [9].
Once the maxillary conditions are suitable, the objective should be the placement of the graft using some surgical technique for the closure of the FLP there is a standardized method that was first described by Boyne and Sands. A vestibular gingival marginal incision is raised a wide mucoperhasic flap including at least one lateral tooth and mesial to the cleft. In the area of the cleft itself, an incision is made from the vestibular groove. If the slit extends to the nasal cavity, the nasal mucosa is elevated, allowing a stress-free repair of that layer. After the nasal layer and palatine flaps have been repaired, the bone graft is placed. Finally, the grafted site is covered by reattaching the vestibular mucoperiestic flaps [10].
Clinical, radiographic and biological evaluations have estimated the success rate of bone allograft in the range between 60% and 90% [18]. A comparative study of closure of alveolar fissures of patients with cleft lip and palate treated with allogeneic bone graft lyophilized against hip autograft, it was found that patients treated with allogeneic graft had a 26%-75% integration while 86.7% of patients treated with autograft had an integration of 51-100% [11].
In a retrospective study of Benlidayi and cabbage. compared the long-term results of secondary alveolar bone graft using bovine-derived hydroxyapatite versus autogenous bone, the difference between the two was not significant achieving radiographic success in the 100% xenograft group [12].
When a postoperative complication develops the surgical result may be compromised. The need for repair increases the overall costs of treatment, exposes the patient once again to risks related to operation and general anesthesia. The most common complications are graft exposure associated with wound dehiscence, wound infection and graft reabsorption as reported by Meireles [13]. The important factors affecting the outcome of secondary alveolar bone grafts are that the graft is placed before the rash of the canines and the type of HPL. According to Jia, et al. they obtained success rates according to hpp types divided into unilateral lip fissure and alveolar process with 94%, unilateral cleft Lip and Palate (LPHU) with 95% and bilateral cleft lip and palate (LPHB) with 91% and no statistical difference if graft it is placed before the rash of the canine, in case after the rash of the canine the statistical difference presents between unilateral lip fissure and alveolar process and LPHB [10].
For consistent and adequate visualization of the alveolar graft, Computed Axial Tomography or Conical Beam Computed Tomography can be used in cuts with 1 mm increments comparing the preoperative volume of the defect at the same limits, with the volume of postoperative residual defect.
However, the image of an X-ray is satisfactory and a medical-grade CT scan may not be recommended [1,10,14].
The radiographic image in the presence of erupted canine is evaluated by the criteria of Bergland, et al. (Bergland, Semb, & Abyholm, 1986) [14].
Using the Bergland scale it is not possible to evaluate slits when the canine is not erupted, in these cases the Chelsea alveolar bone graft scale is suggested (Witherow, Cox, Jones, Carr, & Waterhouse, 2002 [15].
Observational, analytical, retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive, open, and series of cases of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, attended by the multidisciplinary team of the General Hospital National Medical Center La Raza. Non-random sample for convenience. Patients diagnosed with unilateral cleft lip and palate who were treated with only one allogeneic secondary alveolar graft performed at La Raza National Medical Center in the period May 2013 to August 2019 between 4 and 13 years whose GOSLON classification out of group 1.2 and 3 that had preoperative and postoperative panoramic x-ray. after the graft placement, an analysis was performed by decaling the radiopaca structures defining the size of the alveolar fissure by measuring the largest dimension of the alveolar in the horizontal and vertical planes. By analyzing the type of distribution of the variables, applying parametric and/or nonparametric tests.
All patients diagnosed with unilateral cleft lip and palate not associated with syndrome treated with only a secondary alveolar graft performed at La Raza National Medical Center in may 2015 to August 2019 between 4 and 13 years whose classification of GOSLON was group 1 and 2, which have preoperative and postoperative panoramic x-ray, were taken into account. Patients with exclusion criteria were found under 3 years of age and over 14, incomplete studies, who had dehiscence and/or graft rejection, classification GOSLON group 3 and 4.
The standardized method was described by Boyne and Sands (Figure 1). A vestibular gingival marginal incision, to raise a wide mucoperiestic flap including at least one lateral tooth and mesial to the cleft. In the area of the cleft an incision is made from the vestibular groove. If the slit extends to the nasal cavity, the nasal mucosa is elevated, allowing a stress-free repair of that layer. After the nasal layer and palatine flaps have been repaired, the allogeneic bone graft was placed (Figure 2). Finally, the grafted site is covered by reattaching the vestibular mucoperiestic flaps (Figures 3,4).
Pre- and postoperative panoramic X-rays were obtained at graft placement, an analysis was performed by the trace of the radiopaque structures defining the size of the alveolar fissure measuring the largest dimension of the alveolar in the horizontal and vertical planes as well as its classification on the Chelsea scale. Nonparametric tests were performed.
Of the 43 cases found in the Pediatric Maxillofacial Surgery service records of La Raza National Medical Center in the period May 2013 to August 2018 only 19 met the inclusion criteria, 10 cases were diagnosed with LPHUD (52.63%) and 9 of LPHUI (47.36%), in turn, 8 were female (5 LPHUID 26.31% and 3 LPHUI 15.78%) 11 men (6 LPHUI 31.57% and 5 LPHUD 26.31%) . The age at the time of graft placement surgery oscillo between 4.11 and 12.97 years, having an average of 7.91 years. And they all had a GOSLON 1 rating.
The records for each case, starts on the pre-surgical and post-surgical panoramic x-ray between 0 and 4 months after the surgical act, finally at 6 months plotting on the alveolar planimetry suggested in the study, as well as the classification of Chelsea. (Figure 5).
In the alveolar planimetry of the initial x-ray, the maximum fissure values of 15mm horizontal and 20mm vertical were obtained with an average of 7.36mm horizontal and 7.89mm vertical. The maximum values on the X-ray of 0- 4 months were 15mm horizontal and 16mm vertical. On the final x-ray the maximum values were 18mm horizontal and 12 vertical with an average 5.73mm horizontal and 3.73mm vertical. In the pre, post-surgical and final radiographic series the minimum value was 0 in both dimensions. (Tables 1,2 Y2).
On the Chelsea scale for the initial X-ray, 5 cases A (26.32%), 3 cases B (15.79%), 2 cases C (10.53%), 0 cases D and E, 9 cases F (47.36%) were obtained in post-surgical x-rays 0-4 months there were 14 cases A (73.68%), 1 case B (5.26%), 2 cases C (10.53%), 1 case D (5.26%), 0 cases E, and one case F (5.26%)(Illustration 9). In the final x-ray at more than 4 months there were 14 cases A (73.38%), 3 cases B (15.76%), 0 cases C, 2 cases D (10.53%) and 0 cases E and F Graphs 1-3.
For alveolar planimetry, Wilcoxon’s statistic analysis was performed for paired samples with a .0.05 x-ray, comparing the initial x-rays against post-surgical and then initial x-ray against final x-ray. In the case of initial x-ray against post-surgical x-ray we obtained a statistical t-value of 18 and a critical value of 17 for the horizontal dimension accepting the null hypothesis of no statistical difference as in the initial X-rays against end in the same horizontal dimension with a statistical t of 28 and a critical value of 21. On the other hand, the vertical dimension in initial x-ray versus post-surgical had a statistical t of 13 and a critical value of 25 rejecting the null hypothesis and accepting the altering that shows significant difference to the treatment, as well as the comparative between initial and final x-rays relative to the vertical dimension with a statistical t of 28 and a critical value of 35.
For the Chelsea scale, a square Xi analysis was performed comparing initial x-rays against post-surgical 0-4 months with a Received Xi of 12.6631 and subsequently initial versus final X-rays were compared with a squareD Xi obtained from 17.2631 in both cases, 5 degrees of freedom were used, a critical Xi of 11,070 and a critical square Xi of 11,070, which rejects the null hypothesis, as there is significant difference between initial versus post-surgical image of 0-4 months and against the final. And according to the final x-ray, 14 cases A (73.38%) and 3 B cases (15.76%) are obtained, representing 89.14% of patients exceeding the 75% reported in the international literature.
This study is the first to propose a planimetry for alveolar fissures, although there is a three-dimensional imaging analysis using conical beam tomography, we use a panoramic x-ray imaging system which represents lower cost and less radiation to the patient, without losing accuracy in their analysis. In turn, the radiographic evaluation presents a variety of classifications which in its attempt to encompass all the characteristics of the pathology overlook others just as important. In the particular case of the Chelsea classification it focuses on the presence of bone between the teeth on each side of the fissure, ignoring the reconstruction of the nasal floor [15], on the other hand the alveolar planimetry that we propose in this study remains limited to the upper portion of the crack without taking into account the remaining defect that remained in the lower portion of the bone bridge, so we consider that both analyses can be complementary. In turn, in the most severe cases the plane projected by the pyriform cleavage on the healthy side was used as the upper limit. It is therefore clear that in addition to the alveolar reconstruction another goal is also the restitution of the nasal floor.
Unlike most studies, in this work alveolar graft was performed in orthopedically treated patients of whom 100% were on the GOSLON 1 scale, favoring to start from a point closer to the anatomical reconstruction target. This is achieved largely by presurgical orthopedics [9], whose objective is palatine expansion to improve dental arch relationships before grafting as well as improve access during nasal floor closure. One disadvantage is that the device should be stopped placing for an additional 3 months after grafting during the consolidation period [3] which predisposes a relapse to the position of the jaws if treatment is not resumed in a timely manner, suggested the use of an acetate retainer.
The age at the time of graft placement surgery oscillo between 4.11 and 12.97 years, having an average of 7.91 years which is optimal considering that about 75% to 90% of the dimensions of adult jaws are reached at 5 years choosing that mome to avoid altering maxillary growth [3,4].
Using the Bergland scale it is not possible to evaluate clefts when the canine is not erupted, in these cases the Chelsea alveolar bone graft scale is suggested [15].
According to the international literature 75% of patients treated with grafting had a tomographic integration of 26-75% [11], in this study a greater integration was obtained taking into account the final x-ray to more than 4 months with 14 cases with a scale Chelsea A (73.38%) and 3 cases Chelsea B (15.76%) which are considered to be optimal results, indicating an optimal integration of more than 89% of cases, favoring an adequate alveolar reconstruction, in turn also observes the significant reduction of the vertical dimension which leads to a proper reconstruction of the nasal floor. On the other hand, while the means of horizontal dimensions on X-rays are different, during statistical analysis they do not show significant changes which can be interpreted as less integration into the horizontal dimension and in turn, this planimetry, shows greater sensitivity than the Chelsea scale.
While the support for orthopaedic treatment is clear, one particular case was negatively affected by orthodontic treatment, which coincides with studies reporting a resorption between 14 and 100% with an average of 36.46% [16-26].
After observing the results obtained with the alveolar graft compared to the initial x-ray we can conclude that the alveolar graft in patients with HpL contributes to the closure of alveolar fissures in the treatments performed by the alveolar Maxillofacial surgery of the National Medical Center La Raza, obtaining adequate and predictable results.
We conclude that the orthopedic prior treatment helps us from an anatomical state more stable and close to reconstruction and part of the success is to lead to an anatomically correct relationship according to the GOSLON scale.
The use of panoramic x-ray in the early evaluation of the secondary alveolar graft is a great tool for its low cost as well as its low radiation exposure to the patient. Just as it is versatile for measuring at different scales.
The planimetry proposed in this study is useful as it adds detail to other scales, in turn helping to improve treatment evaluation as it showed more sensitivity than the Chelsea scale. The planimetry of this study takes into account the reconstruction of the nasal floor, in addition that it is practical simple and inexpensive to be able to establish criteria for decision-making regarding the placement of the graft improving the aesthetic and functional conditions of the middle third region allowing the evolution of dental development to improve and stabilizing the lack of fusion of the maxillary segments from the placement of the graft considering key moments for facial growth of the patient.
The fact that it has not had significant changes in the horizontal dimension highlights both the need for presurgical orthopedics and a starting point for anatomical reconstruction, and the need for proper repair of the nasal floor.
We propose alveolar planimetry as a quantitative method in early evaluation of grafts, alveolar reconstruction and nasal floor in patients with HPL, as well as long-term follow-up with the multidisciplinary team.
Taking into account the Chelsea scale to evaluate the graft early favors the success of the treatment.
The average age with these results was 7.91 years, indicating the success of secondary graft as a part of the protocol.
The authors have completed the ICMJE Conflict of Interest Statement form, and declare that they have not received funding for the report; not have financial relationships with organizations that might have interests in the published article in the last three years; and not have other relationships or activities that could influence the published article. The forms can be requested by contacting the responsible author or the editorial address of the Magazine. To the case as having been reviewed by the ethics committee of the institution which carried out such work.
The authors state that there were no external sources of funding.
To Dr. America Ayuso Arce, for her tireless work in the management of LPH patients.
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