Background: Outcomes for a continuously applied alveolar bone grafting protocol, established in 1982, are reported and compared to previously published outcomes from the authors' unit and elsewhere.
Methods: A descriptive, retrospective cohort study of alveolar bone grafting outcomes at a tertiary referral cleft center was performed. Records of all alveolar bone grafts between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed (224 grafts). Three-year postoperative periapical radiographs were evaluated using the Bergland, Kindelan, and standardized way to assess graft scores by an external rater. Incomplete records, a syndromic diagnosis, or primary surgery performed elsewhere resulted in 123 grafts being excluded, leaving 101 grafts for assessment. The distribution of scores was compared to the authors' previous studies and international reports. The authors also tested for any impact on the outcome based on cleft type, laterality, timing for incisor or canine eruption, and surgeon experience.
Results: A total of 95.6 percent of applicable grafts (66 of 69) were considered "successful" by Bergland scores and 96 percent by Kindelan scores. Eighty-nine percent of grafts were "very good" based on standardized way to assess graft score. No significant differences were detected in outcomes based on timing, cleft type, or laterality. Surgeon experience had a significant impact (p < 0.05) on outcome for Bergland and Kindelan scores. Distribution of Bergland scores did not differ from the authors' earlier studies demonstrating consistent outcomes for over 30 years.
Conclusions: The Western Australian alveolar bone grafting protocol has consistently achieved a very high success rate (96 percent) for over 30 years despite multiple staff changes. These results compared well with best-reported outcomes from worldwide cleft centers. Surgeon training and experience were significant in achieving these outcomes.
Clinical question/level of evidence: Therapeutic, IV.