Biological Concepts that Underlie Successful Cleft Palate Treatment (Webcourse)

Coming Spring 2012

This web-based e-learning course, currently under development, will focus on concepts derived from analysis of treatment cases documented from birth to adolescence with serial casts, lateral cephaloradiographs, panorexes, and photographs (facial and intraoral). Approximately 15 sets of records were obtained per case. The serial palatal casts were analyzed three-dimensionally to show palatal size and form changes at various ages as a result of surgical-orthodontic treatment. These studies are very unique and will cover most of the cleft types presented in his books Cleft Lip and Palate: Diagnosis and Management, Second Edition, published by Springer-Verlag and The Cleft Palate Story.

When the webcourse is completed, learners will be able to log in from this website, register for the course, and view course materials at their own pace.

Topics Covered

Embryopathogenesis of cleft palate development
The natural history of cleft palate growth and development from birth to adolescence (with or without presurgical orthopedics)
- Complete bilateral cleft lip and palate
- Complete unilateral cleft lip and palate
- Isolated cleft palate
Use and abuse of presurgical orthopedics with/without gingivoperisteoplasty
The velopharyngeal mechanism and variations in the pharyngeal architecture which influences nasal air flow
The use of a pharyngeal flap vs pharyngioplasty to control air flow
Timing of palatal closure as it influences occlusion, speech, and facial growth
The use of a protraction facial mask to avoid midfacial surgical advancement
Craniofacial surgery and distraction osteogenesis

For more information, please contact Dr. Berkowitz via email at sberk3140@aol.com.

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