Traumatic injuries during the postoperative period after orthognathic surgery in patient with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate

PURPOSE: Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital deformities affecting the face and oral cavity. The procedure to be adopted when facing cleft lip and palate depends on their complexity, comprising treatment by an interdisciplinary team aiming at rehabilitation. Esthetic, functional and emotional implications occur in different manners and intensities, depending on the type of cleft. The aim of this paper is to guide professionals in this field, especially oral surgeons, for the treatment of patients with these congenital deformities and cases of postoperative complications. CASE DESCRIPTION: The present case illustrates the treatment of a patient with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate, who suffered facial trauma in the postoperative period after orthognathic surgery. The clinical and radiographic success could be observed two years after the trauma by fall. CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to orthognathic surgery are subject to postoperative complications. Infection, vehicle accidents, firearm accidents and domestic violence are among the most common causes of complications in the postoperative period. Knowledge on these problems allows the adoption of preventive measures to avoid serious complications mainly in patients with clefts who require an interdisciplinary team approach comprising multiple health care professionals.