Cleft lip: Unilateral primary deformities

The understanding and management of all aspects of unilateral cleft lip def ormities continue to evolve. Just as we are entering the era of exciting ad vances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of craniofacial disorders, expansion of our understanding of the dynamic relationships of the structur al and soft-tissue components of cleft deformities has assisted surgeons in achieving progressively improved and consistent outcomes for these patient s. The anatomic and physiologic complexity of unilateral cleft lip deformit ies has been recognized for centuries, and generations of researchers have cumulatively contributed to our current understanding. This article examine s the history, classification, anatomy, and controversies in the surgical m anagement of unilateral cleft lip deformities, allowing surgeons to formula te a reasoned, longitudinal management plan for their patients on the basis of the available current data.