cleft palate
Congenital opening in the roof of the mouth due to incomplete fusion during development.
Full Definition
Cleft palate is a congenital anomaly characterized by an opening or split in the roof of the mouth (palate) that occurs when the palatine processes fail to fuse properly during embryonic development. This condition can occur in isolation or as part of cleft lip and palate. Cleft palate affects feeding, speech development, hearing, and dental development, requiring coordinated multidisciplinary care including plastic surgery, orthodontics, speech therapy, and audiology. Editorial precision is crucial in documenting the extent and type of cleft (complete versus incomplete, unilateral versus bilateral) for appropriate treatment planning.
Usage
Usage note: Specify type (complete/incomplete) and extent (unilateral/bilateral) when documenting.
In Context
- "The infant was born with an isolated complete cleft palate requiring specialized feeding techniques." — Birth record
- "Cleft palate repair is typically performed between 9-18 months of age to optimize speech development." — Surgical consultation note