Objective Assessment for Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity Correction

Cleft lip and palate represent the most common birth defects affecting the head and neck region. It has been estimated, based on global birth rates that a child born with a cleft every 2.5 minutes .which is associated with varying degrees of nasal deformity grading from mild to severe inadequate function, shape and appearance of the nose. Functional impairment of the nose has been reported in 70% of cases with cleft lip. It negatively affects patients' personal and professional lives, physical activity, well-being and general quality of life.

However, historical interest in cleft lip and palate was traced to pre-Columbian artisan; the interest in the associated nasal deformities only began with rhinoplasty techniques introduced in the 19th century. That's why despite the great improvement achieved in primary repair of cleft lip and nasal deformity, the secondary cleft and nasal deformity still occur in significant number of patients, and the surgical management of the nasal deformity remains a functional and aesthetic dilemma for patients, their families and for reconstructive surgeons.

Lake of objective assessment of the initial severity and the changes introduced by growth and by surgical treatment lead to inability to optimize a treatment of cleft lip nasal deformity, hence there is no perfect surgical technique exists and surgeons must tailor approaches to individuals and evolve techniques to best serve each patient.

Although surgery can give dramatic effect, the lack of objective assessment of different surgical procedures results in decision that is based on the experience of the surgeon.

Secondary rhinoplasty is done after facial growth is completed. This is around 14 to 16 years old in female patients and 16 to 18 years old in male patients. Surgical techniques rely on well-accepted open rhinoplasty principles and are applied for unilateral or bilateral cleft nasal deformities.