Friday, February 2, 2007
12137

The Effect of Pre-surgical Nasoalveolar Molding on Nasal Symmetry and Growth in Bilateral Cleft Patients

Robert J. Paresi, MD, MPH, John Polley, MD, and Alvaro Figueroa, DDS, MS.

The purpose of this study is to assess the changes seen with pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) on nasal symmetry and growth in bilateral cleft lip patients. Twelve consecutive complete bilateral cleft lip patients that had pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding were included in the study. Facial moulages and digital photographs were taken of all 12 patients both before nasoalveolar molding, and after nasoalveolar molding at the time of primary lip repair. Linear measurements were then taken on the digital photographs to assess the changes in the nose and lip before and after nasoalveolar molding. Nasal projection increased a mean of 28.5 mm with NAM. Nasal width increased a mean of 29.5 mm with NAM. Deviation of nasal tip from midline decreased 5.54 вк with NAM. The prolabial projection increased an average of 31.9 mm with NAM. The nasal length increased an average of 23.2 mm with NAM. Nasal symmetry and growth was significantly improved with nasoalveolar molding. This study demonstrates the positive changes of nasoalveolar molding on the nasal deformity in bilateral cleft patients, and provides a methodology for quantitating the effect of nasoalveolar molding in bilateral cleft patients.