Evaluation of using sticky bone grafting combined with concentrated growth factor membrane for repair of unilateral alveolar cleft
Omnia Mokhtar Saber, Mohamed S. Khedr, Ahmad M. Al shareef, Maram N. BreshahBackground
Bone grafting is essential for alveolar clefts. Sticky bone combined with concentrated growth factor (CGF) may enhance stability and healing compared to conventional methods, reducing resorption and donor site morbidity.
Purpose
To evaluate using sticky bone grafting combined with CGF membrane for repair of unilateral alveolar cleft.
Patients and methods
Ten patients with unilateral alveolar clefts were clinically evaluated for oronasal fistulas and nasal regurgitation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans assessed cleft dimensions and defect volume. Surgery involved raising mucoperiosteal flaps, suturing nasal lining, applying CGF membrane, grafting with sticky bone, then covering with another CGF membrane before flap closure. Patients were followed for 9 months to assess clinical outcomes (inflammation, nasal regurgitation, and fistula recurrence) and radiographic outcomes (graft volume and bone mineral density).
Results
Eight patients showed uneventful healing. Graft volume decreased from 1399.25 ± 418.63 mm 3 immediate postoperatively to 593.96 ± 242.63 mm 3 at 3 months, then increased to 825.93 ± 242.16 mm 3 at 9 months (mean graft take: 60.51 ± 11.68%). Bone mineral density at the graft site increased over time, reflecting ongoing mineralization, and remained higher than that in adjacent areas.
Conclusions
Sticky bone with CGF membrane enhances graft stability and integration in alveolar cleft repair. CBCT proved vital for volumetric and density assessment, supporting its role in long-term monitoring and treatment planning.
Clinical relevance
Sticky bone with CGF membrane enhances stability and healing in unilateral alveolar cleft repair, with CBCT enabling reliable postoperative assessment.