Results of the Widmaier-Perko palatoplasty in clefts of secondary palate.

The Widmaier-Perko palatoplasty was evaluated in post alveolar clefts. The speech results of 42 Chinese patients revealed 78.5% as having acceptable speech. In post alveolar clefts of the soft palate only 80% had acceptable speech compared to 76% acceptable speech for clefts of the soft and hard palate. This compared favourably with other similar reported studies. No dental occlusal or growth disturbances were noted. There was significant middle ear disease in the patients examined. This type of palatoplasty does not disturb the palatine bone periosteum and may be helpful in preventing growth disturbances.