review of classification systems for cleft lip and palate patients-I. morphological classifications

ABSTRACT

Clinicians should know classifications of cleft lip and palate as grading the severity of condition will help in communication, diagnosis and treatment planning. Each classification. System has some deficiencies and sonic advantages over others. Some classification systems are simple while others are complicated incorporating more information regarding the anomaly. Some systems are descriptive while others have graphic representation. Systems with graphic representation have been explained with examples. Classification systems for cleft lip and palate can be further classified into two groups i.e.; Morphological classifications and Embryological. classifications. This paper looks at the morphological classifications of cleft lip and palate while the second article will look at the embryological classifications. Occurrence of cleft lip and palate features are different in different regions of the world. So, a clinician should adopt time classification system which best suits and covers all the necessary features of diagnostic and therapeutic interest