Pre-surgical orthopedics in newborn patients with cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate is the most common craniofacial malformation of the world’s population, causing a great impact on society since it compromises both aesthetics and function. Presurgical orthopedic treatment at an early age limits the consequences of this anomaly. Objective: To describe two cases of male newborn patients diagnosed with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate that underwent early pre-surgical orthopedic treatment. Methods: Initially Friedman’s stimulation plate was used to confront the alveolar ridges less than 5 mm to continue subsequently with the formation of the nasal wings which were depressed. Results: The alveolar fi ssures were closed completely in both cases in addition to lengthening the columella, increasing the size of the depressed nostril, as well as improving the perioral muscle tone thus enhancing the results of the cheiloplasty. Conclusions: Early preoperative treatment in infant patients with cleft lip and palate is a successful alternative for achieving closure of lip-alveolar-palatal clefts, with the aid of a skilled operator and committed to treatment parents.Key words: Cleft lip and palate, pre-surgical orthopedic treatment, nasoalveolar molding.