A novel success scale for evaluating alveolar cleft repair using cone-beam computed tomography

• Published in: Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery 2020-04, Vol.48 (4), p.391-398
• Main Authors: Kamperos, Georgios, Theologie-Lygidakis, Nadia, Tsiklakis, Kostas, Iatrou, Ioannis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alveolar cleft; Cone-beam computed tomography; Dentistry; Outcome; Secondary osteoplasty
• ISSN: 1010-5182; 1878-4119
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2020.02.003

Radiographic scales, based on plain radiographs, for the evaluation of alveolar cleft repair, have certain weaknesses and are thought to overestimate to some degree the success of the surgical intervention. The aim of this study was the presentation of a novel success scale for evaluating alveolar cleft repair using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Patients treated with secondary osteoplasty for unilateral or bilateral alveolar cleft were evaluated using the Bergland and Enemark scales, as well as the novel success scale, which measures the bone height, the bone width and the level of the nasal floor. A total of 44 patients with a total of 53 alveolar cleft sites were included. According to the new scale, 60% of the cases were defined as successful, with moderate (kappa = 0.511) or substantial (kappa = 0.718) agreement, between the new scale and the Bergland or Enemark scale, respectively. Statistically significant correlation was reported between the new success scale and the closure of space of the lateral incisor, the patient's age at surgery, the graft revision and the presence of residual fistula. The novel success scale for evaluating alveolar cleft repair using CBCT takes into consideration all dimensions of the bony bridge. Future application is necessary for validation of its potential value. •Two-dimensional scales for the evaluation of alveolar cleft repair are thought to overestimate to some degree the success of the surgical intervention.•A novel success scale, using cone-beam computed tomography, is presented.•It provides information on all dimensions of the bony bridge, which is inaccessible by the traditional two-dimensional scales.