Surgical management of transverse maxillary deficiency in patients with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review and current considerations.
J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac SurgAug 20, 2026 (epub)
Vanessa Olichwer, Łukasz Banasiak, Natalia Kazimierczak et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the evidence on surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) in patients with cleft lip and/or palate. It included four retrospective studies, revealing that transverse widening from SARPE ranged from 7.3 ± 2.1 mm to 12.7 mm. However, the evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes.
Key findings
- Transverse widening from SARPE ranged from 7.3 ± 2.1 mm to 12.7 mm.
- Postoperative stability was described as favorable, but relapse assessment was inconsistent.
- Adverse events included appliance debonding and tooth root injury, with inconsistent reporting.
- The evidence was limited by small sample sizes and lack of comparative groups.
Why it matters
Understanding the effectiveness and complications of SARPE in cleft lip and palate patients is crucial for optimizing surgical planning and improving patient outcomes. Clinicians need to be aware of the variability in results and complications associated with these procedures.