Long-term otological outcome of hamular fracture during palatoplasty

Objective It has been suggested that fracture of the hamulus during palatoplasty in children with cleft palate may lead to adverse otological sequelae, however, there is little evidence to support this. Study design and setting The otological records of 42 children with repaired cleft palate (excluding submucous cleft palate) aged 8 years old or older were examined. A questionnaire regarding the incidence, treatment, and outcome of middle ear problems was completed by the parents of 68 children with repaired cleft palate, aged 9 years old or older. Results There was no significant difference between children who did and did not undergo hamular fracture with regard to tympanic membrane appearance, audiometry, history of ear problems (P = 1.000), ear infections (P = 0.622), ventilation tube insertion (P = 0.532), or surgery for chronic otitis media (P = 1.000). Parents of children not undergoing hamular fracture reported a higher incidence of below normal hearing (P = 0.023). Conclusion and significance There is no evidence that hamular fracture during palatoplasty affects long-term otological outcome in cleft palate.