LATHAM APPLIANCE FOR PRESURGICAL REPOSITIONING OF THE PROTRUDED PREMAXILLA IN BILATERAL CLEFT-LIP AND PALATE

Dislocation of the maxillary segments in cleft lip and palate still is a challenge to the surgeon and the orthodontist. The premaxillary protrusion in bilateral cleft lip and palate, complicates the treatment severely. Latham's appliance, inserted on average at 2-months-of-age, relocates the segments over 3-4 weeks. Removal of the appliance is immediately followed by functional surgery. The first operation comprises: (1) intravelar veloplasty; (2) closure of the alveolar cleft with the help of a gingivo-periosteal-plasty; (3) lip adhesion and (4) insertion of ear tubes. This operating schedule establishes the functional matrix as early as possible. Midfacial growth as well as language and speech development are provided with the necessary preconditions as far as we understand this complex situation. Five cases, being representative of 41 cases, are outlined in detail. The longest follow up period is 3 years; no growth disturbance of the maxilla has been detected to date. Definitive lip and columella surgery is facilitated.