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Am J Perinatol 2016; 33(06): 531-534
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1572537
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Clefting of the Alveolus: Emphasizing the Distinction from Cleft Palate

Nicholas Wirtz
1   Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2   ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
James Sidman
1   Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2   ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
William Block
3   Department of Perinatology, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
4   Minnesota Perinatal Physicians, Allina Health System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

26 October 2015

08 January 2016

Publication Date:
23 February 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Oral clefting is one of the most common significant fetal abnormalities. Cleft lip and cleft palate have drastically different clinical ramifications and management from one another. A cleft of the alveolus (with or without cleft lip) can confuse the diagnostic picture and lead to a false assumption of cleft palate. The cleft alveolus should be viewed on the spectrum of cleft lip rather than be associated with cleft palate. This is made evident by understanding the embryological development of the midface and relevant terminology. Cleft alveolus carries significantly different clinical implications and treatment options than that of cleft palate. Accurately distinguishing cleft alveolus from cleft palate is crucial for appropriate discussions regarding the patient's care.

Keywords

cleft lip - cleft palate - cleft alveolus - oral cleft - prenatal diagnosis cleft - craniofacial
 

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