Cleft palate should be repaired

Cleft palate is usually repaired in 12–18 months. Early repair causes retarded maxillary growth (probably due to trauma to growth center and periosteum of the maxilla during surgery if done early). Late repair causes speech defect.  Abnormal insertion of tensor palati is released.  Wardill- Kilner push back operation—by raising mucoperiosteum flaps based on greater palatine vessels.  The exact timing of repair of a palate cleft is controversial. In general, the velum must be closed before the development  of  speech  sounds  that  require  an  intact  palate. Reference: SRB's Manual of Surgery, 5th ed, page no 350, Fonseca 4th ed page no 503