Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Cleft lip and palate involves a disrupted fusion of the 5 embryonic facial prominences (the midline frontonasal prominence, the bilateral maxillary prominences, and the bilateral mandibular prominences)
- Cleft lip
- Partial or total failure of primary palate formation during the 6–7th week of development
- Failed fusion of the maxillary prominences and medial nasal prominences at the midline
- Cleft palate
- Failed formation of the secondary palate during the 8–12th week of development
- Failed fusion of either the lateral palatine processes (palatine shelves) or of the palatine shelves with the nasal septum and/or primary palate
Clinical features
