Outcome Comparisons of Two Different Orbicularis Oris Muscle Reconstruction Techniques in Patients with Unilateral Incomplete Cleft Lip.

Abstract

The long-term postoperative outcomes of two different orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction techniques in patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip were compared. Forty-seven patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip were assessed in this study, where 23 underwent a traditional method of reconstruction and 24 underwent a novel method. Preoperative measurements, postoperative results, and 3-year follow-up outcomes were measured by photographic anthropometric analysis. Five upper lip measurement indices and 8 nostril indices were included. The postoperative outcomes showed that the shape of the lip and nose was more symmetric with the new surgical method compared with the conventional technique. Long-term outcomes after 3 years, although characterized by minimal changes during maxillofacial development, showed better maintenance of lip and nostril symmetry in the novel-method group. The novel technique seeks to balance the perinasal and perioral muscles, resulting in improved symmetry compared with the traditional reconstruction technique. Therapeutic, III.