OBJECTIVETo diagnose and classify the congenital craniofacial cleft with a uniform scale is helpful to evaluate the abnormality and select the repairing methods.

METHODSWe analyzed 81 cases of congenital craniofacial cleft basically using Tessier craniofacial cleft classification. Furthermore, according to the position of soft tissue or bone, the character and degree of clefts or dysplasia and the results of CT scanning, we subdivided the congenital deformities based on S (skin), T (tissue), and O (OS). Arabic numerals were used to express the degree of the abnormality.

RESULTSOf all the cases analyzed with the STO classification, No. III and IV clefts are often seen in the infraorbital region (24.70%). No. IX and X clefts are mostly seen in the supraorbital region (38.27%). The relationship between the cleft types and involved tissue has not been found.

CONCLUSIONSThe STO classification reinforces Tessier classification. It offers the basis for craniofacial cleft repair.