USE OF CANTILEVER ILIAC BONE-GRAFTS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF CLEFT LIP-ASSOCIATED NASAL DEFORMITIES

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and ra diographic observations on cantilever iliac bone grafts for reconstruc tion of cleft lip-associated nasal deformities. Materials and Methods: Cantilever iliac bone grafts were performed on 14 patients with a sev erely deformed cleft lip-associated nose using the open rhinoplasty te chnique. An approximately 6-cm length of iliac bone was tightly insert ed into a subperiosteal pocket over the nasal bones, and the nasal tip was elevated by the distal end of the graft. The clinical follow-up r anged from 7 months to 3 years. Results: All patients were judged to h ave satisfactory results. The grafted bone decreased slightly in size during the first 2 to 3 months, and irregularities in contour became r ounded, During the same period, bony union with the underlying nasal b ones was observed in all cases. After about 6 months, further changes did not occur in the grafts. Conclusion: This type of bone graft can b e used for additional structural support and to achieve the desired na sal projection and profile, Augmenting the nasal bridge creates the il lusion of a narrower nose. The key to success of the operation seems t o be the proper fixation of the grafted bone to the underlying nasal b ones.