A classification of cranio facio cervical (branchial) clefts (Bangalore classification)

This new classification is based on the analysis of the following: 1. The study of Embryological developments of the normal structures and the clefts in the head and neck regions, 2. The Clinical presentation of Clefts in the head and neck regions in our series of 146 cases, 3. The study of clefts under Rare craniofacial, Branchial [Cervical] and Classifications by various Authors and 4. The review of Literature pertaining to the clefts in head and neck regions. The documentation of commonly diagnosed and treated cleft lip and palate anomalies have remained unsatisfactory. As the regular cleft lip and palate falls within the purview of this new classification, a separate classification of Rare Craniofacial clefts can be avoided. This is an attempt made to bring all varieties of cleft deformities in the head and neck region under one Classification and to plan and execute better techniques in the field of assessment and management.