A Review on Variability in Treatment Protocols With Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction

Abstract

segments from their abnormal insertions and their approximation to one another does not lengthen the lip. In his technique, however, the muscle is released and then ''segmented'' to achieve length. It does not rely on measurements or skin flaps, and it can be used to close any degree of unilateral cleft lip cleft. The cleft borders on either side are excised and the orbicularis oris muscle is liberated from the surrounding tissues. After freeing them from the skin and mucosa, they are segmented and repositioned down toward the free border of the lip. He argues that lip length results from the orbicularis oris muscle repair and not from skin flaps. Although possible, its effect in real patients may be subject to question. Unfortunately, the anatomic, functional, and esthetic results of the lip closure have not been subjected to critical analysis with measured photographs. It would certainly be interesting, based on Dr Navarro's experience, to subject his preoperative and postoperative photographs to careful, measured review.