Classification of cleft lip and cleft palate-a review

Classification for cleft lip and palate is imp ortant fo r both clinical research and epidemiological investigation. Classification of the cleft lip and cleft palate plays an important role in diagnosis and planning the treatment. It involves the embryological processes, the frontonasal and the right and left processes of the maxilla. The incisive foramen is a basic anatomic landmark for classification of cleft l ip and palate. Davis and Ritchie's classification was a fundamental classification, which is followed by symbolic representation of Kernahan and their modifications. Newer approaches have also used mathematical expressions to provide a complete description of the deformity including those which can be used for computerized data analysis. This article is a review of the past and the most recent classifications, a bird's eye view on how improvements/advancements in the field have led to a better understanding and representation of the various types of cleft deformities.