New Technique for Correction of the Microform Cleft Lip Using Vertical Interdigitation of the Orbicularis Oris Muscle through the Intraoral Incision

A microform cleft lip has three major components: (1) a minor defect of the upper vermilion border with loss of the mucocutaneous ridge; (2) a narrow ridge of tissue, resembling an exaggerated philtral column extending to the nostril sill; and (3) a deformity of the nostril. To attain the muscle continuity without an external scar on the upper lip, the author introduced a new method for the correction of a microform cleft lip deformity using vertical interdigitation of the orbicularis oris muscle through the intraoral incision to create the philtrum. Through the intraoral incision, a full-thickness incision is made down to the mucosa and the posterior portion of the muscle. Then, the remaining portion of the muscle is dissected. The medial and lateral muscle flaps are also detached from the oral mucosa and completely exposed and split into two leaves. The upper leaf of the lateral muscle flap is sutured to the dermis on the philtral dimple and base of the upper leaf of the medial muscle flap. Two leaves of each muscle flap are sutured together to create a vertical interdigitation to increase the thickness of the philtral column and to provide continuity of the muscle. A total of 12 patients with microform cleft lip were treated between August of 2001 and October of 2002. Seven of the patients were male and five were female, with an age range of 1 to 43 years. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 15 months, with an average follow-up of 9 months. The results of vertical interdigitation of the muscle were examined. All patients were satisfied with their results. The orbicularis oris muscle provided continuity and preserved good function. In all cases, the operation scar was not visible on the depressed philtral groove on the cleft side. Correction of cleft lip nasal deformity was performed in four patients and alar base advancement was performed in two patients. The advantages of the proposed procedure include the creation of an anatomically natural philtrum without an external visible scar through the intraoral incision, preservation of the continuity and function of the muscle, and sufficient augmentation of the philtral column by the vertical interdigitation of the muscle.