Computed Tomography–Assisted Auricular Cartilage Graft for Depression of the Alar Base in Secondary Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of computed tomography–assisted auricular cartilage grafting for treating alar base depression secondary to unilateral cleft lip. Design and Setting: For patients with obvious depression of the alar base, the difference in heights of the alar base and the piriform margin between the cleft side and the noncleft side were measured with computed tomography. If both were >3.0 mm, the cartilage was harvested postauricularly and subdivided into 2 to 4 pieces. A multiple layer graft was inserted under the depressed alar base. The procedure was performed from 2006 to 2013, and the follow-up period was 3 to 15 months. Participants: Chinese patients with alar base depression secondary to unilateral cleft lip were selected. Intervention: Suture and cartilage graft techniques. Main Outcomes Measures: Differences in bilateral alar base heights and piriform apertures. Results: There was no wound dehiscence, exposure of bone, or donor site morbidity. The difference in heights in the bilateral alar bases and piriform apertures decreased. There were no obvious scars in any of the cases. Conclusions: This technique has several advantages including ease of operation, minimal trauma, satisfactory outcomes, and useful references for operation provided by computed tomography. It is a superior alternative for reconstruction of secondary alar depression.