Diagnosis and management of patients with clefts: a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach.

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the most current practice guidelines in the diagnosis and management of patients born with cleft lip and/or palate. Such patients frequently have multiple medical and social issues that benefit greatly from a team approach. Common challenges include feeding difficulty, nutritional deficiency, speech disorders, hearing problems, ear disease, dental anomalies, and both social and developmental delays, among others. Interdisciplinary evaluation and collaboration throughout a patient's development are essential.