The Effect of Vitamin D Level on The Prediction of The Success of Secondary Alveolar Cleft Grafting: A Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Alveolar cleft grafting plays a vital role in the treatment of individuals with cleft lip and palate. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone healing.

Methodology: The study involved 40 patients with cleft alveolus who were seeking alveolar cleft grafting (ACG). Participants were categorized into 2 groups-study and control-based on their vitamin D levels: those with levels below 20 were placed in the control group, while those with levels above 20 were assigned to the study group.

Results: Assessment of alveolar cleft grafting success rate was done by Bergland Scale assessment. The assessment using χ 2 showed that the bone level in the study group was better than the control. However, the improvement was not statistically significant ( P =0.2). Assessment of volumetric bone fill was done on the CBCT. The results were statistically checked by independent t -test and showed that the bone fill in the study group (224±78.4 mm 3 ) was better than the control (176±135 mm 3 ). However, the improvement was not statistically significant ( P =0.17). Assessment of the incidence of fistula recurrence was done using the χ 2 test. In the study group, the incidence of fistula was 5%, while in the control group, it was 30%. The incidence of success in reducing fistula recurrence was statistically significant ( P =0.04).

Conclusion: Adjustment of vitamin D level may be a successful tool in predicting the success of the alveolar cleft grafting procedure, especially regarding the elimination of fistula recurrence.