Spanish Terms for Cleft Lip Within the United States

<i>Objective</i>To examine Spanish terms used for "cleft lip" within the United States. Perceived acceptability of these terms was also considered.<i>Design</i>An online survey was distributed to Spanish-speaking medical interpreters, clinicians, and parents of children with cleft lip. Survey questions probed demographics, language use, preferred term for "cleft lip," and perceived acceptability of terms for cleft lip.<i>Results</i>There were 158 respondents. Significant differences were observed with profession (<i>P</i> < .001) as 62.5% of medical providers used labio hendido, while 71.8% of interpreters preferred labio leporino. Perceived acceptability of terms was consistent with the term use patterns reported by respondent groups. Significant differences were also observed with geographical region (<i>P</i> = .001) as 90% of respondents from the Northeast United States employed labio leporino, compared to 60% to 70% of respondents from other regions.<i>Conclusions</i>Selection and perception of Spanish terms for "cleft lip" may differ across regions and professions. Cleft teams should invite stakeholders to discuss what terms best suit their community.