Cleft Palate

CLEFT PALATE and HARELIP, in surgery. Cleft palate is a congenital cleavage in the roof of the mouth, and is frequently associated with hare-lip. Both conditions are due to faulty development and may be hereditary. The infant is pre vented from sucking, and an operation is necessary. The most favourable time for operating is between the age of two weeks and three months, and if the cleft is closed at this early date, not only are the nutrition and general development of the child greatly improved, but the voice is probably saved from much of the unpleasant tone associated with a defective roof to the mouth. After the cleft in the palate has been effectually dealt with, the hare-lip can be repaired with ease and success.

Hare-lip.

In the hare the splitting of the lip is in the middle line, but in the human subject for developmental reasons it is on one or on both sides of the middle line. Though we are unable to explain why development should miss the mark in formation of the lip and palate, it is unlikely that maternal impressions have anything to do with it. As a rule, the supposed "fright" comes long after the ninth week of foetal life when the lips are devel oped. The best time for operating on a hare-lip depends upon circumstances, in a favourable case within the first few days of birth.