Radiographic Assessment of Secondary Autogenous Alveolar Bone Grafting in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

Abstract

Objective To assess if a 4-point, radiographically based scale could be used between operators to reliably assess the success of secondary alveolar bone grafting. Design The study was retrospective with the clinicians blind to patient identity. Radiographs were examined twice by two clinicians with 1 week between assessments. Setting The research was carried out in a hospital-based orthodontic/oral and maxillofacial unit. Patients All patients who had secondary alveolar bone grafting in this unit between February 1992 and March 1995 were included In this study. There were 38 patients with a total of 48 grafted sites. Interventions The bone graft site was radiographed following orthodontic expansion prior to grafting. The radiograph was repeated postoperatively at a mean of 4 months after surgery. Main Outcome Measure The degree of bony fill in the cleft area was assessed using a 4-point scale: Grade 1 >75% bony fill; Grade 2 50–75% bony fill; Grade 3 < 50% bony fill; Grade 4 no complete bony bridge. Results Overall, 50% of grafts achieved grade 1, 23% were grade 2, 22% grade 3, and 5% grade 4. Levels of intra- and inter-observer agreement were highly variable (.33 to .72 kappa statistic). Conclusions The 4-point scale described could be used to assess the success of autogenous secondary alveolar bone grafting. It showed moderate to substantial intra-observer agreement, and fair-to-moderate inter-observer agreement.