[Morpho-histology of the maxilla in cleft palate]

The author's morphohistological study on 5 maxilla specimens without clefts from neonates and on 1 specimen with a median cleft of the palate was designed to detect possible differences which might be of importance to the anatomical and functional rehabilitation of the cleft patient. The results obtained permit to draw the following conclusions: 1. The changes confirmed in the structures of the hard and soft tissues exert, in themselves, no unfavourable effects on the surgical closure of the cleft palate if the date of operation and the operating method are chosen with regard to the general primary underdevelopment of the cleft maxilla. 2. An anatomically correct "reconstruction" of the musculature of the soft palate cannot be expected from the closure of the cleft. By avoiding extended scars, it is possible to inhibit further negative effects on from and function. 3. The functionally "inferior" musculature in the region of the soft palate needs intensive postoperative activation to achieve the closure of the nasopharynx which is necessary for undisturbed speech.