Effect of primary surgery for cleft lip and palate on mid-facial growth.

Surgery for cleft lip and palate is known to have an effect on growth and development of the mid-face. This paper studies the outcomes in 34 consecutive 10-year-old patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Clinical observations of the importance of both surgical technique and the influence of cranial base morphology on maxillo-mandibular position are discussed.