A simple and precise classification for cleft lip and palate: a five-digit numerical recording system

Abstract

Objective: Numerous methods have been developed for recording cleft lip and palate deformities, but none has been universally accepted due to limitations, inadequate description of the cleft deformities, and varying complexity.

Design: The classification system introduced in this article is designed to describe detailed information of the cleft deformities with five-digit codes. The anatomic description of the cleft components is denoted with five Arabic numerals in order of right lip, right alveolus and primary palate, secondary palate, left alveolus and primary palate, and left lip. The extent of the cleft deformities is recorded using the numerals 0 to 4 (i.e., from intact to complete).

Setting: Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University.

Results: This new classification system allows a numerical description of any kind of complete cleft, incomplete cleft, asymmetry, and complex clefts with an intervening intact segment (all simulated cases).

Conclusions: The simplicity and precision of this five-digit classification system make it easy to understand, and it can be used for computerized data analysis.