Overview of Cleft Lip and Palate

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cleft lip and palate, including definitions, causes, and management strategies.

Cleft Lip/Palate

A birth defect involving an opening in the upper lip or the roof of the mouth, occurring as a result of abnormal fusion of tissues.

Cleft Lip

A type of cleft where the opening occurs in the lip, either unilaterally (one side) or bilaterally (both sides), sometimes extending to the alveolar ridge.

Cleft Palate

A type of cleft that occurs in the roof of the mouth, which can vary from a small opening to complete absence.

Submucous Cleft

A type of cleft characterized by a notch in the hard palate and bifid uvula, with intact mucous membranes.

Teratogenic Factors

Environmental factors such as drugs, alcohol, and certain viruses that can cause clefts during fetal development.

Management of Clefts

A multidisciplinary approach involving a team that may include a speech-language pathologist, surgeon, and dentist.

Cheiloplasty

Surgical procedure for the repair of a cleft lip, typically performed within the first three months of life.

Palatoplasty

Surgical procedure for the repair of a cleft palate, usually performed around 12 months of age.

Velopharyngeal Closure

The mechanism that separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity during speech, involving soft palate movement.

Complications of Clefts

Potential issues including difficulty feeding, dental problems, speech difficulties, and ear infections.