Evaluating the Impact of Prefabricated Acrylic Splints on Premaxillary Stability in Alveolar Cleft Bone Graft Repairs: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Rationale for conducting the research: Bilateral alveolar clefts pose significant management challenges, with current treatments like autogenous bone grafting showing instability in up to 40% of cases within a year, risking graft failure and aesthetic issues . Prefabricated acrylic splints may offer a minimally invasive alternative, potentially improving bone graft outcomes and premaxillary stability, crucial for speech, feeding, and respiration. This study evaluates the efficacy of acrylic splinting versus traditional open healing, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with this congenital condition . This research underscores the need for evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments that can improve quality of life and guide clinical practices for managing bilateral alveolar clefts. Review of literature: The existing body of literature on bilateral alveolar clefts and their management reflects several inadequacies and gaps in the evidence base. Bilateral alveolar clefts present unique challenges that have not been fully addressed in the literature on cleft lip and palate management. Limited evidence suggests more focused research in this area. The prevailing treatment options for bilateral alveolar clefts predominantly involve surgical bone grafting procedures. These grafting techniques have shown varying success rates, with factors such as graft quality, surgical technique, and premaxillary stability influencing outcomes. However, the specific challenges posed by bilateral alveolar clefts have not been addressed comprehensively in the existing literature. While grafting procedures have undoubtedly improved the lives of countless patients, there remains a need for more targeted interventions that can enhance premaxillary stability and graft success, particularly in the context of bilateral alveolar clefts. The proposed use of prefabricated acrylic splints represents a novel and innovative approach to address these inadequaci