Unilateral cleft lip repair

Abstract

Modern cleft surgery requires four-dimensional and functional anatomic understanding of the cleft (and noncleft) lip, nose, and alveolus. Some techniques for nasolabial repair rely more on precise anatomic geometry, whereas others afford the surgeon a more flexible design. Consistent anthropometry enables accurate assessment and reporting of long-term outcomes; such reports are needed to guide perioperative care, delineate optimal repair principles, and resolve ongoing controversies.

Keywords: Cheiloplasty; Cleft alveolus; Cleft lip; Cleft nasal deformity; Gingivoperiosteoplasty; Nasoalveolar molding; Presurgical infant orthopedics; Primary cleft nasal surgery.