A new pedicled periosteal flap for alveolar bone graft surgery: a technical note

Achieving a good bone volume is an important aspect of secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with alveolar clefts. Wound breakdown is a major cause of bone graft exposure and graft failure. We describe a new technique using a pedicled periosteal flap to achieve a double layered wound closure during secondary alveolar bone graft surgery. We report the first use on a unilateral alveolar cleft. Good wound healing and bone volumes were noted on 6 months review. Bone formation by the grafted periosteum was expected in addition to wound protection.