Follow-up investigation of palatal closure by means of a one-layer cranially-based vomer-flap.

The relatively seldom-used technique of a single-layer cranially based vomer-flap for the primary closure of a hard cleft palate has been demonstrated. 25 unilateral cleft lip and palate cases, carefully selected in the age group 6 to 20 years, were examined. 3 different methods of analysing these cases were used in order to determine the dysgnathia incidence. The results of these 3 analyses were compared and a comparison was also made between the other types of hard palatal closures. The results were in favour of the above-mentioned technique, where relatively small growth disturbances, thus a small dysgnathia incidence, and few oronasal fistulas occurred. Interesting spin-off results regarding the influence of the orthodontic treatment, the type of technique for lip closure, and the articulated speech function, are briefly mentioned.