Untreated incomplete isolated cleft palate: cadaveric findings

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Medical Education

Background:

• Isolated cleft palate is a rare congenital deformity.
• Cleft lip and palate can be associated with genetic syndromes.
• Most clefts receive treatment, making untreated cases rare in developed countries.

Observation:

• A case of untreated incomplete isolated cleft palate on the right maxilla was found during cadaveric dissection.
• An oronasal fistula was present where the right maxillary lateral incisor was missing.
• The soft palate intruded into the hard palate but not the nasal cavity.

Findings:

• The right incisivus labii superioris muscle showed incomplete tearing with two fistulae.
• An incomplete bony defect was noted in the right maxilla.
• No oronasal or oroantral fistula was associated with the bony defect.

Implications:

• This case provides valuable anatomical data on untreated isolated cleft palate.
• Understanding these untreated defects aids in surgical planning and patient management.
• The findings contribute to the evaluation of complex cleft palate presentations.