The Effect of Presurgical Treatment on Palatal Tissue Area in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Subjects *

The investigation measures the area of palatal tissue at birth and at four months in three groups of subjects: (1) 30 complete unilateral cleft lip and palate cases who received presurgical maxillary orthopaedic treatment; (2) 15 similar cases who did not receive such treatment and were used as controls; (3) 30 normal children with intact palates.

The changes occurring in the three groups of cases over the four month period are compared. In particular it was noted that presurgical treatment retarded the growth of palatal tissue. The significance of this in relation to the other findings and presurgical treatment generally is discussed.