Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Radswiki T, Elfeky M, Glick Y, et al. Facial clefts. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 06 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-15521
Facial clefts comprise a wide spectrum of pathologies that result from failure of fusion in the facial region during the embryonic/early fetal period. The result is a gap in the fetal face. These clefts can affect the lip, philtrum, alveolus, and hard and soft palate to varying degrees.
Entities that fall under this group include
Overall there is a broad spectrum of severity ranging from minimal defects (e.g bifid uvula) to large deep clefts involving both bone and soft tissues.
Epidemiology
The estimated incidence of isolated facial clefts may be as high as 1 in 1000 births 1.
Pathology
Classification
There are several classification systems for facial clefts
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1. Wayne C, Cook K, Sairam S et-al. Sensitivity and accuracy of routine antenatal ultrasound screening for isolated facial clefts. Br J Radiol. 2002;75 (895): 584-9. Br J Radiol (full text) - Pubmed citation
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2. Offerdal K, Jebens N, Syvertsen T et-al. Prenatal ultrasound detection of facial clefts: a prospective study of 49,314 deliveries in a non-selected population in Norway. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2008;31 (6): 639-46. doi:10.1002/uog.5280 - Pubmed citation
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3. Tessier P. Anatomical classification facial, cranio-facial and latero-facial clefts. J Maxillofac Surg. 1976;4 (2): 69-92. - Pubmed citation
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4. Van der meulen JC, Vaandrager JM. Facial clefts. World J Surg. 13 (4): 373-83. - Pubmed citation
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