Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a technique for the surgical repositioning of the premaxilla using a minimally invasive endonasal approach.
Design: Retrospective review of clinical records.
Setting: Tertiary care, University Hospital, pediatric maxillofacial surgery unit.
Patients: Twenty-one patients (12 boys and 9 girls), ages ranging from 6 to 21 years, with BCLP+A and premaxillary malposition (PM).
Interventions: Surgical repositioning of the premaxilla (SRP) using a minimally invasive endonasal approach, from November 2007 to November 2015.
Main outcome measures: Achieving maxillary arch alignment and premaxillary stability was defined as treatment success. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded.
Results: In all cases (100%), the treatment was successful either at first surgery or after reoperation. Two patients (9.5%) were reoperated-one due to premaxillary instability and one due to PM relapse. There were no perioperative complications.
Conclusions: SRP using a minimally invasive endonasal approach is a safe and effective technique that levels and aligns the maxillary arch in preparation for SABG, which minimizes the risk of wound infection and premaxillary vascular compromise. The endonasal approach improves tissue quality of the mucoperiosteal flaps when performing the SABG procedure. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the best protocols and techniques for the management of PM in patients with BCLP+ A.
Keywords: bilateral cleft lip and palate; endonasal premaxillary osteotomy; premaxilla; premaxillary malposition; premaxillary osteotomy.