Early results of secondary bone grafts in 106 alveolar clefts.

Eighty-three patients with cleft lip and cleft palate were treated by secondary bone grafts to the 106 alveolar clefts. In 98% of the alveolar clefts, the graft was successful and the oronasal fistula was closed. There were only occasional other complications, all but one of which were minor and did not affect the final result. Morbidity was low. Compared with older patients, the pre-teen group of patients not only had no complications of consequence but experienced less morbidity. The 100% success rate and the lower morbidity in the pre-teen group of patients thus favor operating on patients at the younger age.