Application of internal fixation technique with absorbable material for rhinoplasty to correct secondary nose deformity of unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate

Objective It is crucial to restore and fix the position of nasal septum which elaborates supportive function in rhinoplasty for secondary nose deformity of cleft lip and palate patients. The aim of this study was to explore the fixation technique with absorbable material in rhinoplasty for correction cleft lip nose deformity. Methods Nineteen cases with unilateral cleft lip /with or without palate cleft were included in this study. Absorbable screw was used to fix the implanted and re-positioned grafted cartilage septum which was shaped into strip with anterior nasal spine. Results Full success was achieved for all of 19 cases with internal fixation technique to re-position nasal septum to correct nasal deformity. There was no complications occurred. Conclusions Internal fixation technique with absorbable material could be used to correct secondary nasal deformity in cleft lip and palate patients and fixed re-positioned grafted cartilage septum can apply a strong support to ala nasi cartilage in cleft site. Key words: Cleft lip; Internal fixation; Nose; Deformity; Absorbable screw