4. On certain Points in the Morphology of Cleft Palate

Extract

In cases of cleft palate with alveolar fissure, the maxillary bones are, during infancy, not only ununited, but, in general, if not always, more widely separated from one another than in the natural condition. This has been frequently observed in such cases as come under the care of the surgeon, although little attention appears to have been bestowed upon the fact beyond its mere casual mention. Measurements, however, have been lately made by Dr Engel, showing that the difference between certain fixed points—such as the two infra-orbital foramina, the nasal processes of the upper jaw, &c, is very well marked, when the distance is measured in a healthy new-born child, compared with one having a cleft palate.