Presurgical Infant Orthopaedics: The Lagos University Teaching Hospital Experience

Abstract

Background:Presurgical infant orthopedics is an important aspect of the orthodontic management of children with cleft lip and palate. The aim of this study was to review the literature on its use and to highlight our experiences in the treatment of infants with different PSIO techniques at the Lagos University Teaching University (LUTH).
Methods: A literature review on PSIOs was conducted, in addition, a review of our experiences in the management of children with clefts at LUTH using different PSIO techniques such as the NAM and DNAM appliances was also done.
Results: A wide variety of PSIO appliances exist and the appropriate use of each technique is dependent on some factors
including: the type of cleft, available resources, patient factors and operators' skill. The challenges experienced in LUTH in the use of these appliances include, inadequate record taking, loss of patients to follow-up, financial pressures, lack of patients' compliance, language barrier and irritation of the soft tissues in the children among others.
Conclusion: The article has presented a detailed review of different types of PSIO techniques and their clinical applications. The Lagos University Teaching Hospital experience in the use of PSIOs has been a learning curve, various challenges have been highlighted, and lessons have been learned. These lessons have helped in improvement of our treatment protocol