In cleft palate repair, which of the following statements are true?
ExplanationD. Primary goal of cleft palate repair is proper development of speech, tension free closure of cleft and prevention of ear problems. Through speech results are better if palate repair is done early, i.e., before beginning of language learning, ideally by 12 months, simultaneous facial growth disturbance because of post-op scarring should also be considered. But speech is the most important goal and should be given priority. Dissection should be limited to adequate mobilisation of mucoperiosteal flaps to ensure tension-free closure. Freeing up of all the abnormal muscular attachments and achieving an adequate pushback is of utmost importance to have a good speech. The muscle pushback is achieved by the Intravelar veloplasty principle of Sommerlad or the double opposing Z-plasty principle of Furlow. Cleft palate repair obtains tension-free complete nasal and oral closure from front to back and detachment of abnormal insertions of levator and tensor muscles with re-establishment of muscle sling with adequate pushback of soft palate, which helps in proper speech.
