Therapeutic approach of cleft lip and palate at Caen University Hospital

The therapeutic approach of facial cleft in Caen University Hospital depend on two teams: primary treatment by the Pediatric Plastic Unit (60 cases/year), and secondary treatment by the department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery (more than 30 cases/year). The lip closure is realised before the age of one month with the Tennisson's technic. The palate closure is performed between 6 and 12 months old. Each patient is presented at a multidisciplinary consultation which include a surgeon, an orthodontist, an orthophonist, a psychologist and otologist. At about 5 years old, the orthodontic approach begins with palatal expansion with a modified quadhelix to prepare function its treatment is underwent at this age too. After the age of 9-10 years the orthodontic treatment continued on the permanent teeth. If necessary, the sequelae on maxilla, lips and nose are treated at the end of the adolescence.