Abstract: Objective: To compare the clinical effects of Langenbeck and modified Langenbeck methods in repairing over-wide incomplete cleft palate. Methods: Forty children with incomplete cleft palate who underwent palatoplasty in Xuzhou State Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University from January 2012 to December 2014 were selected. The age ranged from 2 to 5 years and the width of cleft was more than 2.5 cm. The recovery status of two groups was observed. Cone beam CT was used to observe and measure postoperative maxillary development. Lateral cranial radiographs were used to evaluate velopharyngeal function. Speech intelligibility evaluation was also carried out. Results: Compared with the control group, the patients in the experimental group recovered better with slight scar and good maxillary development, a well-developed maxilla, velopharyngeal closure, and high articulation clarity. Conclusion: For too wide cleft palate patients, the operation of Langenbeck combined with buccal mucous membrane flap can effectively avoid the bare bone surface, reduce scar hyperplasia, and improve velopharyngeal closure and speech function. It is a new functional cleft palate repair method and worthy to be recommended.

Key words: cleft palate, CBCT, levator veli palatini retro positioning, buccal mucous membrane flap, maxillary development