Postoperative Evaluation of Grafted Bone in Alveolar Cleft Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Data

Abstract

Objective Postoperative evaluation of bone formation in the alveolar cleft by computed tomography imaging has been reported. We quantitatively evaluated bone grafts in the alveolar cleft preoperatively and postoperatively using three-dimensional data and superimposition of images. Subjects A total of 12 patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (six left-sided and six right-sided) were studied. Methods Helical computed tomography scans were taken immediately before surgery and at 6 months after surgery and the DICOM files obtained were processed using Mimics and 3-matic software for three-dimensional data analysis. The preoperative and postoperative computed tomography data were superimposed, and the position and length of the unerupted canines and width of the alveolar cleft measured. Results Strong and significant correlations were observed between bone formation in the alveolar cleft bone graft region and preoperative canine position ( r = –.766, p < .01) and canine length ( r = .681, p < .05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that only the preoperative canine position was independently and significantly correlated with bone formation in the alveolar cleft. Conclusion These results indicate that the optimal timing for surgery is when the canine cusp is close to the alveolar plane.