{"title":"Post-traumatic partial amputation and successful complex surgical repair of tongue: A rare case report.","authors":"Kanchan Shah, Asma Fruitwala, Jayant Landge, Amol Lahoti","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_7_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_7_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Post traumatic partial amputation of tongue is a rare but life-threatening condition as it may lead to active intraoral bleeding. In this article, we present a case in which successful surgical repair with appropriate functional and esthetic results. The patient presented to emergency department with tongue injury due to road traffic accident. On examination patient had laceration in which its distal fragment was attached to proximal with bands of soft tissue. Attempt was made to repair it but no revascularization signs were seen. So dissection was done repair using rotational flap. The tongue was repaired layer wise.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"371-374"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469070/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative evaluation of soft tissue wound healing in lateral eyebrow incisions with 5% w/v Panchavalkala water extract, 5% w/v Panchavalkala alcohol extract, 5% w/v Panchavalkalahydroalcohol extract - An interventional randomized study.","authors":"Adnan F Chhatriwal, Lakshmi Shetty, Harshal Kunjir, Shreya Jeetendra Raut, Gauri Camblay","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_85_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_85_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Panchavalkala extract has anti-inflammatory properties and has been tested in gynecological wounds, especially in cesearian wounds. The study aims at the extract being used for maxillofacial wounds, especially in lateral eyebrow incisions, which is the approach for the reduction of frontozygomatic fractures.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aims at evaluating the soft tissue wound healing in lateral eyebrow incisions with 5% w/v Panchavalkala water extract, 5% w/v Panchavalkala alcohol extract, and 5% w/v Panchavalkalahydroalcohol extract.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>The randomized interventional study according to consort guidelines and ethical clearance, parallel-group design, and allocation groups (1:1:1) with four groups. Group 1: 11 patients having frontozygomatic fractures was applied with 5% w/v Panchavalkala water extract. Group 2: 11 patients with frontozygomatic fractures were applied with 5% w/v Panchavalkala alcohol extract. Group 3: 11 patients with frontozygomatic fractures were applied with 5% w/v Panchavalkala hydroalcohol extract. Group 4: 11 patients with frontozygomatic fractures were applied with Neosporin ointment (control).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The Panchavalkala quath and its various group preparations were used, and preparation was applied in the lateral eyebrow incisions of isolated frontozygomatic fractures and evaluated. Evaluation involved measuring various parameters such as slough, swelling, redness, pain, discharge, tenderness, and malodor at specific intervals postoperatively (day 1, day 7, day 15, and day 30).</p><p><strong>Statistical design: </strong>The groups were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Group 3, which received the 5% w/v panchavalkahydroalcohol extract, exhibited the highest level of improvement, followed by group 2 (5% w/v panchavalka alcohol extract), group 1 (5% w/v panchavalka water extract), and finally group 4 (Neosporin ointment).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>These findings strongly support the superior healing properties of the 5% w/v panchavalkahydroalcohol extract for soft tissue wound healing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The 5% v/w hydroxyalcohol extract of Panchavalkala gave excellent results in terms of all parameters of healing compared to the other two groups and hence can be the future for many studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"298-306"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469083/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparison of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of arch bar splinting versus wire composite splinting in the management of patients with dentoalveolar fractures.","authors":"Mrinalini Mathur, Nitin Bhola, Rajanikanth Kambala, Anchal Agarwal, Priyatam Mishra, Monica Gupta","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_154_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_154_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dentoalveolar fracture involves injuries to the dentition, periodontium and alveolar bone, which may occur individually or concurrently. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines recommend the use of flexible splints for a shorter duration in cases of dentoalveolar trauma.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To compare and evaluate the intraoperative and postoperative outcome of the arch bar splinting and wire composite splinting in the management of Clark's Class II dentoalveolar fractures.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Patients were randomized by Envelope method of randomization. Equal number of patients were randomly allocated to two groups, irrespective of age, gender, type, and severity of fractures. The study population was divided equally into two groups. Group A- Patients in whom dentoalveolar fractures were managed by arch bar splinting. Group B- Patients in whom dentoalveolar fractures were managed by wire composite splinting. All patients were managed by a single maxillofacial surgeon.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean time for splinting in group B was 7.52±0.76 min. No glove perforation or intraoperative blood loss was observed in group B. No soft tissue injury in terms of mucosal ulcerations and gingival trauma was noted in patients of group B. The pain intensity recorded was mild on the VAS scale on postoperative day 1. This resulted in better patient comfort/acceptance of the treatment in patients of group B. Oral hygiene status evaluated by using Modified Turesky Gilmore Plaque Index was significantly better in group b as compared to group A(p=0.018).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dentoalveolar fractures are mostly managed by closed treatment. The type and time of splinting depends on the type of injury and the amount of stabilization needed for the specific injury. The use of wire composite splint proved to be an ideal treatment option for Clark's Class II dentoalveolar fractures.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"292-297"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinicoradiographic evaluation of polymer of injectable platelet rich fibrin (i-PRF) and hydroxyapatite as bone graft substitute in maxillomandibular bony defects: A double blinded randomised control trial.","authors":"Vyakhya Gupta, Naqoosh Haidry, Upasna Sinha, Peeyush Shivhare, Frijo Xavier, Neha Sah","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_136_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_136_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Enucleation of the maxillo-mandibular cysts will create post-surgical bone defects, which may take more than a year for complete bone healing. Bone grafts are common to aid bone regeneration in large defects. The aim was to evaluate the clinical and radiographical healing and bone formation capabilities of polymer of i-PRF and hydroxyapatite in maxilla-mandibular defects compared to hydroxyapatite (HA) alone. The primary objective was to do a clinical assessment of healing at postoperative days 1, 3, and 7; and a radiological evaluation of bone formation postoperatively at the 2<sup>nd</sup> month and 4<sup>th</sup> month. A secondary objective was to identify if any, local or systemic side/ill effects of polymer of i-PRF with HA.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>After surgical enucleation of 19 maxillo-mandibular cysts/tumors, either HA or HA + i-PRF graft was adapted to the defect. Clinical outcome variables such as Pain (VAS score), edema, and mucosal color were evaluated on postoperative days 01, 03, and 07 while radiological outcome variables such as volume of the defect (cc), and Density of new bone (HU) on Computed Tomography were evaluated at 2<sup>nd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> month. The results obtained were tabulated and compared with the inferential analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Clinical parameters are better in the HA + i-PRF group but the result was non-significant. Radiologically, the mean healing ratios were significantly greater in the HA + i-PRF group (63.5 ± 2.34 at 2<sup>nd</sup> month, 90.3 ± 7.32 at 4<sup>th</sup> month) compared to the HA group (57.2 ± 5.21at 2<sup>nd</sup> month, 80.8 ± 5.33 at 4<sup>th</sup> month). When comparing the mean density of new bone, there was a statistically significant difference with a mean difference of 95.2 HU more in the HA + i-PRF (623 HU ± 42.9) compared to the HA group (528 HU ± 96.5) in 2<sup>nd</sup> month.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The polymer of i-PRF and HA prepared as the sticky bone yields faster and better bone healing in post-enucleation maxilla-mandibular bony defects as compared to hydroxyapatite alone based on radiological findings till 4 months.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"307-314"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shreyash Vijay Gulhane, Milind V Naphade, Rajashree Gondhalekar, Vivek Kolhe, Pankhuri Pande, Pranita V Sakhare
{"title":"Systemic complications of use of antibiotics following removal of the third molar: A systematic review.","authors":"Shreyash Vijay Gulhane, Milind V Naphade, Rajashree Gondhalekar, Vivek Kolhe, Pankhuri Pande, Pranita V Sakhare","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_1_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_1_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There are currently conflicting views on the value of using antimicrobial prophylaxis in dental procedures, including extractions and implants. This review intended to highlight the common use and misuse of antibiotic treatment regimens in a dental setting, particularly in third molar surgery. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this study has been reported accordingly. The purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the use of antibiotics during therapeutic orthodontic treatment involving third molar extractions, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of postoperative complications. The systematic review was conducted using online databases such as the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Scopus. A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria was applied, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated antibiotic treatment for third molar surgery and were published up to 2021. The total 20 RCTs were included. The findings indicated that amoxicillin, both with and without clavulanic acid, was frequently used as an antibacterial agent in various doses and durations. However, there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complication rates between the treatment groups. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend standard antibiotic prophylaxis for healthy young individuals undergoing third molar extraction surgery. Additionally, antibiotic-related adverse events were not statistically different from those observed in placebo groups. Based on our findings, the risk of allergic reactions and the potential for developing antimicrobial resistance necessitate a careful and judicious use of antibiotics in mandibular third molar extraction procedures, even if cost is not a limiting factor.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"233-241"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468792/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Manu Rathee, Sujata Chahal, Maqbul Alam, Prachi Jain
{"title":"Oral rehabilitation of resorbed mandibular ridges utilizing various techniques for implant-supported prosthesis through conventional and digital approach: A case series.","authors":"Manu Rathee, Sujata Chahal, Maqbul Alam, Prachi Jain","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_48_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_48_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Residual ridge resorption (RRR) is an inevitable physiological process occurring after the extraction of teeth. The annual rate of resorption is thought to be more in the mandible as compared to the maxilla leading to loss of support and retention in the mandibular conventional prosthesis. The compromised retention and stability of conventional dentures in the mandible lead to the denial of a patient to wear the prosthesis. Rehabilitation of resorbed ridges using implant-supported prosthesis has led to enhanced retention and an increase in chewing efficiency, leading to better acceptance of prosthesis by the patient. This case series describes the rehabilitation of mandibular resorbed ridges using various approaches for implant-retained prosthesis utilizing both conventional and digital means.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"382-387"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469062/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Richa, Vibha Singh, Nitu Nigam, Shadab Mohammad, U S Pal, Geeta Singh, Amiya Agrawal, Arunesh K Tiwari, Abhaya N Tiwari, Shanthosh Kanna
{"title":"Clinical & biochemical evaluation of herbal extract on submucous fibrosis.","authors":"Richa, Vibha Singh, Nitu Nigam, Shadab Mohammad, U S Pal, Geeta Singh, Amiya Agrawal, Arunesh K Tiwari, Abhaya N Tiwari, Shanthosh Kanna","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_183_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_183_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a prevalent disease in India, mainly caused by tobacco chewing (areca nut, pan masala, and betel quid). Its treatment is still under debate, as none of the treatment modalities have been statistically superior to one another, may it be medical or surgical.</p><p><strong>Aim and objective: </strong>Clinical and interleukin-6 (IL-6) assessment in patients of submucous fibrosis at baseline and 3 months of follow-up, after intervening their usual treatment with the herbal extract.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 was given the standard treatment, while group 2 was given herbal extract along with the standard treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant reduction (<i>P</i> < 0.05) in burning sensation and pain upon mouth opening was observed in group 2 patients. Also, comparatively more decrease in the level of IL-6 was noted in group 1.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Sphaeranthus, Ocimum, and honey are already being used, separately or together, in many diseases as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The herbal extract, used in this study, can be used as an adjunct in OSMF for alleviating the painful symptoms at an early stage.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"271-277"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469074/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ankit Sharma, Anita Rani, Arvind K Pankaj, Jyoti Chopra, Punita Manik, Rakesh K Dewan
{"title":"Variational anatomy of cervical part of phrenic nerve: An observational human cadaveric study.","authors":"Ankit Sharma, Anita Rani, Arvind K Pankaj, Jyoti Chopra, Punita Manik, Rakesh K Dewan","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_172_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_172_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The phrenic nerve (PN) is not an exception to the variations. Recent cadaveric studies report that the third and fifth cervical nerves may be involved. The PN communicating branch might be considered as another option to neurotise the suprascapular nerve. The variants of the relationship between the subclavian vein and the PN should be familiar to anesthesiologists during subclavian vein cannulation to achieve a successful vein approach without causing PN palsy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study was carried out on both sides of 42 head and neck regions, which were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, KGMU, Lucknow. The study received Institutional Ethics Committee approval (<i>Ref. code: XIV-PGTSC-IIA/P78</i>).</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Classical three root (C3,4,5), double root with varying contribution from C3 or C5 (C3,4/C4,5), and single root (C4/C5). Classical triple root PN formation was present in 57.68% of cases and was the most common pattern in our study population. The second most common (30.95%) formation was observed for the double root pattern (C4,5) by contribution of distal cervical segment (C5). Double root configuration of C3,4 was observed on 4.76% sides. Out of single root contribution incidence of C4 pattern was higher (4.76%) as compared to C5 (2,14%). One cadaver exhibited a dual C5 root with C4 on the right side in a male cadaver.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although researchers have demonstrated that the PN nucleus extends locally from spinal cord segments C3 to C5, histological findings suggest that maximum contribution is derived from the C4 spinal nerve.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"285-291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469077/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T R Marimallappa, M S Sreelakshmi, R Mahesh Kumar, B Jambukeshwar
{"title":"Ligaclip-assisted inferior alveolar neurectomy for trigeminal neuralgia: A technical note.","authors":"T R Marimallappa, M S Sreelakshmi, R Mahesh Kumar, B Jambukeshwar","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_9_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_9_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating condition characterized by intense facial pain along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Traditional treatments include pharmacotherapy, microvascular decompression, and various forms of nerve ablation. However, some patients do not respond to these interventions or experience significant side effects. A 55-year-old male presented with trigeminal neuralgia affecting inferior alveolar nerve. Previous treatments, including carbamazepine and alchohol injection, provided inadequate relief. We performed an inferior alveolar neurectomy utilizing ligaclips to assist in the precise ligation of neurovascular bundle under general anesthesia. Postoperative outcomes were favourable, with significant pain relief reported immediately following surgery. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient remained pain-free without any notable complications or recurrence of symptoms. This technical note highlights the techniques efficacy and safety in inferior alveolar neurectomy.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"359-361"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469139/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Meghna Chandrachood, Adil Gandevivala, Srivalli Nataraj, Nitesh Patkar, P Pranave, Varsha Patel
{"title":"Caregiver-reported outcomes of speech and social function among cleft palate patients operated with palatoplasty, at different age groups, using CLEFT-Q: A cross-sectional questionnaire study.","authors":"Meghna Chandrachood, Adil Gandevivala, Srivalli Nataraj, Nitesh Patkar, P Pranave, Varsha Patel","doi":"10.4103/njms.njms_188_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/njms.njms_188_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Cleft palate significantly impacts a child's ability to speak clearly and interact socially, often affecting psychosocial development. While early palatoplasty is known to support better speech outcomes, limited data exists from the caregiver's perspective, particularly in diverse cleft severities. This study aimed to assess the influence of age at surgery and cleft severity on caregiver-reported outcomes in speech and social function using the CLEFT-Q tool.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary cleft center. Caregivers of 237 children aged 3-15 years who underwent primary palatoplasty between 2019 and 2022 were interviewed using the Hindi version of the CLEFT-Q. Participants were grouped by age at surgery: Group A (before 18 months) and Group B (after 18 months), and by Veau cleft classification (I-IV). Outcomes in speech distress, speech function, and social function were compared using one-way ANOVA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Group A (n=94) had higher mean scores than Group B (n=143): speech distress (83.03 vs. 75.10), speech function (82.27 vs. 75.29), and social function (80.42 vs. 75.78). Differences were statistically significant across Veau types I-III. In Veau type IV, Group A showed better speech scores, while social scores were not significantly different. Intragroup comparisons across Veau types showed no significant score variations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Early palatoplasty before 18 months is associated with improved caregiver-reported speech and social outcomes, irrespective of cleft severity. These findings support timely surgical intervention and can guide caregiver counseling in cleft care.</p>","PeriodicalId":101444,"journal":{"name":"National journal of maxillofacial surgery","volume":"16 2","pages":"278-284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469169/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}