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Delayed hard palate closure: the philosophy revisited.
The Cleft Palate Journal
|October 1, 1984
Summary
Delaying hard palate closure in cleft palate children is popular but lacks proven benefits. This review finds evidence suggests potential negative impacts on speech, articulation, and velopharyngeal function, which require more attention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Speech pathology
- Craniofacial anomalies
Background:
- The surgical timing for cleft palate repair is debated.
- Delaying hard palate closure is a growing trend in managing cleft lip and palate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale and evidence for delayed hard palate closure.
- To evaluate the impact of this approach on speech outcomes, including articulation and velopharyngeal function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on delayed hard palate closure.
- Analysis of evidence regarding speech development and velopharyngeal function post-surgery.
Main Results:
- The underlying assumptions for delaying hard palate closure are not empirically supported.
- Observed negative effects on speech, articulation, and velopharyngeal function are significant.
Conclusions:
- The efficacy of delayed hard palate closure remains unproven.
- Potential adverse speech outcomes warrant greater clinical and research focus.