EFFECT OF ALVEOLAR BONE-GRAFTING IN THE MIXED DENTITION ON MAXILLARY GROWTH IN COMPLETE UNILATERAL CLEFT-LIP AND PALATE PATIENTS

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects on facial growth of alveolar bone grafting in the mixed dentition for patients w ith UCLP. Design: Retrospective cephalometric study, Setting: Craniofa cial Treatment and Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, To ronto, Ontario, Canada, Patients: The 58 patients participating in the study had a history of complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, all of which were repaired by the same plastic surgeon, Interventions: twe nty-one patients received an iliac-crest alveolar bone graft at a mean age of 10.3 years, while 37 did not receive an alveolar bone graft. L ateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained on all patients at two different times: at a mean age of 9.4 years (prior to bone grafting in the grafted group) and at a mean age of 15.2 years, Main Outcome Meas ures: All radiographs were traced and digitized by the same person, us ing cephalometric computer software, Superimposition and cephalometric analysis was undertaken to investigate the differences between the tw o groups in the 5.6-year experimental period. A two-way analysis of co variance was used for evaluation of the statistical significance of th e results, Results: No statistically significant differences were foun d in 14 of the 15 cephalometric measurements performed, Harvold's maxi llary unit length was statistically significantly shorter in the graft ed group, although a lack of correlation with angular measurements and inherent problems with this specific measurement raise doubts in this finding, Conclusion: Mixed dentition bone grafting does not affect su bsequent vertical and A-P development of the maxilla in complete unila teral cleft lip and palate patients during the first several postopera tive years.