A retrospective review of 63 cleft patients undergoing secondary alveolar bone grafting at Prince of Songkla University in 2013-2023 found age and cleft type associated with two-dimensional radiographic success. Patients aged 10-12 and those with unilateral clefts had higher success. These are single-centre associations without three-dimensional assessment.
Key findings
- Age and cleft type were significant predictors, with reported odds ratios of 10.46 and 5.19. Success was higher at ages 10-12 and for unilateral clefts. In conventional-radiograph subgroup analysis, postoperative orthodontic timing was most prominent; in the digital subgroup, cleft type dominated.
Why this matters globally
Failed grafts can require repeat surgery and add lifelong burden. Simple prognostic factors may support multidisciplinary timing where CBCT is limited, if confirmed with standardised outcomes across centres.
Thai researcher contribution
Prince of Songkla University, Khao Chaison Hospital and Suranaree University of Technology used a decade of care data to examine outcome factors in Thai cleft practice.
Limitations to consider
Sixty-three cases with multiple predictors risk overfitting and inflated odds ratios. Conventional and digital images differ, and subgroups were small. Two-dimensional measures cannot capture graft volume and shape. Retrospective data cannot separate age from dental development, technique or timing selection.