Correction of the cleft nasal deformity with an L-shaped iliac bone graft.

Abstract

We describe our technique for correcting a cleft lip nasal deformity using L-shaped iliac bone grafts to achieve additional structural support and the desired nasal projection and profile. Augmenting the nasal bridge creates the illusion of a narrower nose. Further, the columellar portion of the L-shaped graft provides stabilization, eliminating the "see-saw" effect of the bridge graft on the fulcrum of the bony bridge, which can lead to a depressed tip and loss of the root indentation. Clinical and radiographic observation has revealed that this method of correction has consistently produced satisfactory results.