A retrospective study of tibial cancellous bone grafting in the management of alveolar clefts

Introduction: This is a retrospective study to assess the outcomes of tibial bone grafts in secondary grafting of alveolar clefts. Tibial cancellous bone harvested from upper-end diaphysis is believed to be qualitatively similar to iliac bone without the known morbidities of the donor site. Patients and Methods: The study comprises of 54 patients with complete alveolar clefts treated at our institute. The quality of graft take was graded radiologically using Bergland's criteria. The patients were followed up for complications, longest follow-up being 10 years. Results: The success rate was 96.3% for the sample. There were two cases, one of complete and one of partial bone loss each with recurrence of fistulae. A single case of wound infection at donor site was seen. On long-term evaluation, we had one case of slight hypertrophic scarring. Conclusion: Tibial cancellous bone graft provides good quality of viable bone for alveolar bone grafting without the accompanying morbidity. Hence, it is an excellent alternative to iliac crest bone grafting.