The Outcome for Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in the South West UK Region Post-CSAG

Objective In 1998 the delivery of cleft care in the United Kingdom was examined by the Clinical Standards Advisory Group, the outcomes of which led to the wide restructuring of cleft services in the United Kingdom. We present a retrospective study evaluating the radiographic outcome of 53 consecutively performed alveolar bone grafts following the regional centralization of secondary alveolar bone grafting to the South West Cleft Centre between 2004 and 2006. Methods A retrospective audit of one surgeon's outcome of 53 consecutively performed alveolar bone grafts, assessed radiographically using the Kindelan method. Results That 94% of bone-grafted sites achieved a successful radiographic outcome compares favorably with the previously published Clinical Standards Advisory Group data of 58% with Bergland scores. Conclusion The radiographic outcome for alveolar bone grafting has improved with centralization. A small number of patients are being grafted after the ideal chronological age, and this needs to be addressed throughout the region. The Kindelan assessment provides a reliable method of early assessment for alveolar bone grafting.