Prevalent Classification Scheme of Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

Various classification schemes have been described to understand cleft abnormalities and make it easier to comprehension. Ideal classification scheme should be easily understandable by clinicians, patients, hospital staff, and agencies involved in care of patients. Davis and Ritchie in 1922 presented first systemic classification of Cleft Lip & Palate into three groups taking alveolar process as reference point. We describe a classification scheme based on three groups with incisive foramen as central point as taken by Kernahn with some addition by Indian classification proposed by Balakrishnan.

• Group 1 represents the clefts anterior to incisive foramen (lip & alveolus).

• Group 2 represents clefts posterior to incisive foramen (hard and soft palate), and group 3 includes clefts of lip, alveolus, and palate. R and L are used for right and left side, respectively. B is for bilateral and p for partial or incomplete cleft. Letters s for soft palate, sm for submucous palate, and sb for Simonart’s band are utilized. Pmax is used for protruding premaxilla, mic for microform lip, and o for previously operated cases.