title: Cleft palate: a clinical review.
abstract: Orofacial clefts, including cleft palates (CP), are one of the most common birth defects. CP have a multiplicity of effects on the individual and society in terms of economic costs, loss of productivity, psychosocial effects, and increased morbidity and mortality at all stages of life. Embryological development of the palate is well delineated, with developments in the last decade regarding the biomolecular processes involved. Etiology is complex, involving a number of genetic and environmental factors. Various techniques can be employed for the repair of CP, depending on whether the cleft is of the primary or secondary palate, the width of the cleft, whether lengthening of the palate is necessary, and with regard to concerns of disruption of midfacial growth. All surgical techniques have the goals of restoring functional speech, swallowing, and aesthetics. A multidisciplinary team is necessary for the long-term pre- and postoperative care of CP patients to handle complications, associated anomalies, and to optimize function and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Craniofacial Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
authors.forename: Mahdi A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Shkoukani
authors.forename: Lauren A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Liebertz
authors.forename: Peter F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Svider
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: cleft palate; congenital anomalies; craniofacial anomalies; orofacial cleft