Mid-facial growth following functional cleft surgery

The stigmata of lip and palate clefting are well recognized, but recently it has been thought that these may be exacerbated by the surgical repair. Functional repair, however, with re-establishment of muscle continuity may result in less disruption to normal facial growth. This study examines mid-facial growth in 10 consecutive children aged 6.5 years with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who had undergone functional repair. Outcomes were compared with non-cleft children and children who had undergone non-functional surgery.