2006 Volume 52 Issue 1 Pages 2-6
This report proposes a simple classification for maxillary hard-soft palate defects (6-4 classification) that can be used by surgical oncologists and maxillofacial prosthetists to describe the type and extent of maxillary defects. This classification can also hopefully be used to predict the functional result of maxillofacial prosthetic treatment.
This classification is simply based on the defect area compared with the total area of the hard palate-alveolarregion and that of the soft palate. The total area is expressed as a fraction of 6 for the palate-alveolar region and asa fraction of 4 for the soft palate region.
A questionnaire survey of head and neck surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and other specialists indicates thatthis 6-4 classification can be used easily and correctly. Our classification will hopefully promote better communicationsamong multidisciplinary specialists, including maxillofacial prosthetists.
