ABSTRACT
Cleft palate deformities remain a significant functional problem for affected patients. The ramifications of a palatal cleft, whether or not associated with other facial clefts, can be disabling. Early diagnosis and repair allows for the development of intelligible speech and proper language skills. In developed nations, prompt attention is the norm. However, in less fortunate societies around the world, children may go for years, or even decades, without adequate care. This chapter will focus on the management of the cleft palate. A brief discussion of epidemiology, anatomy, and embryology will be included to complete the discussion of this important topic.
