Fundamentals of Cleft Palate

The comprehensive treatment of cleft palate has evolved for more than 200 years. Nowadays, the primary objective is not only focused on an optimal primary closure of the cleft palate but also an adequate maxillofacial growth and speech outcome. The reader will be able to identify key anatomical elements involved in palate clefts. The preparation of the patients is discussed, including the basic principles of physical assessment. The reader will also get familiarized with the different protocols and surgical techniques for palatoplasty and pharyngoplasty, in a step-by-step approach, from the surgical measurements and markings, final closure and speech long-term outcomes. This chapter will attempt to provide a complete overview of palate clefts.