Early Treatment for Cleft Lip and Palate with Hotz Type Orthopedic Plate

I. Wearing Period and Effect on Feeding

Abstract

Hotz type orthopedic plate is widely used in early treatment for cleft lip and palate. The purpose of this study is to know how long it is possible for CLP babies to wear the plate and how effective the plate is to overcome feeding difficulties which CLP babies have.9 cases of BCLP,16 cases of UCLP and 21 cases of CP were investigated.
The results were as follows:
1. It was possible for all cases except 3 with poorly developped swallowing mechanism to wear the plate until age 6 months when lip plasty is usually carried out.
2. Feeding speed (m//min) was significantly improved after wearing the plate in all 4 BCLP cases,4 of the 5 UCLP cases and 3 of the 5 CP cases.
These results show the plate is v e r y effective in overcoming feeding difficulties of CLP babies and in promoting physical development just after birth. Therefore, Hotz type orthopedic plate is recommended in early treatment for cleft lip and palate.