Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Cleft lip and palate involves a disrupted fusion of the 5 embryonic facial prominences (the midline frontonasal prominence, the bilateral maxillary prominences, and the bilateral mandibular prominences)

• Cleft lip
  • Partial or total failure of primary palate formation during the 6–7th week of development
  • Failed fusion of the maxillary prominences and medial nasal prominences at the midline
• Cleft palate
  • Failed formation of the secondary palate during the 8–12th week of development
  • Failed fusion of either the lateral palatine processes (palatine shelves) or of the palatine shelves with the nasal septum and/or primary palate

Clinical features

Diagnostics

Treatment