Efficacy of the Anterior Based Tongue Flap in Managing Large Alveolar Clefts

Abstract

Large alveolus clefts are challenging due to soft tissue deficiency,especially after trans-palatal distractions. Healthy, abundant soft tissue ismandatory to close oronasal communication and, consequently, for the success ofbone graft. The tongue flap provides enough tissue with high vascularity andproximity to the defect. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using a tongueflap for closure of large alveolus clefts (more than 10 mm) in children aged 10–12years.Patients and Method: The study included 28 patients with a unilateral largealveolus cleft. An anterior-based tongue flap was used to cover the defect. Threeweeks after the first surgery, a second surgery to separate the flap was performed.Tissue acceptance, flap stability, soft tissue closure of the cleft, tongue and speechproblems, and other complications were recorded.Results: Tissue acceptance, flap stability, and soft tissue closure were acceptedwithout donorsite morbidity, with few patients complaining of difficulty in feedingand speech between the two surgeries.Conclusion: The anterior-based tongue flap is an effective option for addressingsoft tissue deficiency in cases of large alveolar clefts with minimal or no observeddonor site morbidity.