ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: A Tessier classification number 7 cleft is an uncommon malformation that results from a failure of mesenchymal fusion within the maxillary and mandibular prominences of the 1st pharyngeal arch. Many operative techniques of the number 7 cleft repair have been proposed to restore function and improve aesthetics. Fifteen patients underwent repair of a number 7 cleft over 13 years by a modification of the surgical Technique, and an appraisal of the operative outcome is reported herein. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted involving 15 patients with number 7 clefts who underwent surgery from 1996 to 2009. The changes in surgical technique included skin closure, attachment of the orbicularis oris muscle, and position of the repaired commissure; the changes were analysed with a review of the medical records and the outcomes of surgery were analysed via photographs. Specifically, the technique of skin closure was changed from the a Z-plasty to a linear closure, the orbicularis oris muscle overlapped attachment was replaced by a side-to-side approximation with horizontal mattress sutures, and the position of the repaired commissure was changed from 1mm laterally to 1mm medially in reference to the non-cleft side. RESULTS: A Z-plasty caused additional cutaneous scarring, an overlapped attachment of the orbicularis oris muscle caused a thick oral commissure, and the repaired commissure migrated to the lateral side, so a 1mm, laterally-positioned commissure caused asymmetry. The altered procedure included a linear skin closure, a side-to-side orbicularis oris muscle approximation, and a 1mm, medially-positioned commissure, which together resulted in a good outcome. CONCLUSION: The altered procedure for repair of a number 7 cleft as described herein, yields a short scar, no functional problems with the orbicularis oris muscle, a thin oral commissure, and symmetry of the repaired commissure.