Tessier cleft numbers 7 and 30: case report and literature review.

Abstract

Background: Orofacial clefts are developmental anomalies that involve the lips and face and constitute the commonest variety of craniofacial clefts. While the lateral facial cleft (Tessier cleft no. 7) is relatively common, the median mandibular cleft (Tessier cleft no.30) is a rarity with less than seventy cases reported in the literature. Though the spectrum of severity requires individualized treatment plan, the goal of surgery has always been functional reconstitution of the oral sphincter and restoration of facial balance.
Patients: We present our experience in the management of two uncommon cases of rofacial malformation. Results: Surgical outcome was satisfactory in both cases.
Conclusion: Sequential approach to management to produce an ideal result i.e. functional reconstitution of the oral sphincter and restoration of facial balance is required.

Keywords: orofacial clefts, median mandibular clefts, lateral facial clefts, facial
balance, cleft team.

Nigerian Journal of Plastic Surgery Vol. 4 (2) 2008: pp. 52-57