Naso Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction: Does Patients’ Age Play a Factor in Postoperative Complication Rate?

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to compare the outcome of unilateral alveolar cleft reconstruction (ACR) in patients aged 6-8 years versus older more comprehending patients aged 9-12 years. Materials and Methods: A chart review (from March 2006 to June 2010) was conducted of patients who had alveolar cleft reconstruction using anterior iliac crest bone graft. All the cases included are non syndromic healthy patients whom had unilateral alveolar cleft and were operated for the first time. A total of 49 healthy patients were included in the study. Twenty-four had their surgery between the age of 6 and 8 (Group A), and twenty-five had theirs between 9 and 12 (Group B). The postoperative recovery and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: In group A, 16% (n = 4) showed minimal wound dehiscence while 8% (n = 2) had a minor wound infection due to food particles wedged in the wound. In Group B, 20% (n = 5) of the patients presented with minimal wound dehiscence, while 12% (n = 3) had minor wound infection due to food particles wedged in the wound. No significant difference was found between the two groups using Fisher's exact test, two-tailed p-value >0.05. Conclusion: Age factor was not found to be a factor contributing to ACR complication rate.