PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and radiographic observations on cantilever iliac bone grafts for reconstruction of cleft lip-associated nasal deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cantilever iliac bone grafts were performed on 14 patients with a severely deformed cleft lip-associated nose using the open rhinoplasty technique. An approximately 6-cm length of iliac bone was tightly inserted into a subperiosteal pocket over the nasal bones, and the nasal tip was elevated by the distal end of the graft. The clinical follow-up ranged from 7 months to 3 years. RESULTS: All patients were judged to have satisfactory results. The grafted bone decreased slightly in size during the first 2 to 3 months, and irregularities in contour became rounded. During the same period, bony union with the underlying nasal bones was observed in all cases. After about 6 months, further changes did not occur in the grafts. CONCLUSION: This type of bone graft can be used for additional structural support and to achieve the desired nasal projection and profile. Augmenting the nasal bridge creates the illusion of a narrower nose. The key to success of the operation seems to be the proper fixation of the grafted bone to the underlying nasal bones.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and radiographic observations on cantilever iliac bone grafts for reconstruction of cleft lip-associated nasal deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cantilever iliac bone grafts were performed on 14 patients with a severely deformed cleft lip-associated nose using the open rhinoplasty technique. An approximately 6-cm length of iliac bone was tightly inserted into a subperiosteal pocket over the nasal bones, and the nasal tip was elevated by the distal end of the graft. The clinical follow-up ranged from 7 months to 3 years. RESULTS: All patients were judged to have satisfactory results. The grafted bone decreased slightly in size during the first 2 to 3 months, and irregularities in contour became rounded. During the same period, bony union with the underlying nasal bones was observed in all cases. After about 6 months, further changes did not occur in the grafts. CONCLUSION: This type of bone graft can be used for additional structural support and to achieve the desired nasal projection and profile. Augmenting the nasal bridge creates the illusion of a narrower nose. The key to success of the operation seems to be the proper fixation of the grafted bone to the underlying nasal bones.