Objective: To study a new method of alveolar cleft bone graft repair.
Methods: From April 2005 to August 2006, 26 cases (30 sides) of alveolar cleft were treated with trabecular substance of self-ilium combined with the decalcified dentinal matrix of human (DDM). There were 16 males and 10 females, aged 6-12 years. Unilateral alveolar cleft was involved in 22 cases, bilateral alveolar cleft in 4 cases. All cases were accompanied by nasal wing collapse, 5 by deciduous tooth retention, 3 by malposed teeth and 1 by tooth deformity. Anterior occlusal radiographs and panoramic oral radiographs were taken to observe union and bone absorption before and after operation.
Results: Twenty-three patients achieved healing by first intention, oronasal fistulas were closed successfully. Infection occurred in one bilateral alveolar cleft case and bone tissue exposure in 2 cases. Wound healed by rinse or dressing change and inunction with MEBO. The X-ray films after operation showed bone bridge formation in the alveolar cleft. The stability and continuity of body of maxilla were resumed. Four cases (6-9 years old) were observed 6.5 months, 22 cases (9-12 years old) were observed 8.6 months. According to Bergland for evaluation, the X-ray films after 3 months of operation showed 16 cases (16 sides) in class I (53.3%), 7 cases (8 sides) in class II (26.7%), 2 cases (4 sides) in class III (13.3%), and 1 case (2 sides) in class IV (6.7%). The overall survival ratio of alveolar bone grafting was 93.3%, and the clinical success ratio was 80%.
Conclusion: The DDM is good in alveolar cleft bone graft repair. It is better than using self-ilium only clinically.