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Application of obturator to treat velopharyngeal incompetence
Jian Sun1, Ningyi Li, Guilan Sun
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, China.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of a system of velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) management after the application of obturator.
Methods:
Using nasopharyngofiberoscope (NPF) and a computer analysis system, we quantitatively analyzed the improved state of velopharyngeal incompetence in 100 patients with unilateral and/or bilateral cleft palate.
Results:
The velopharyngeal closure (VPC) can be greatly improved by using a temporary oral prosthesis (obturator) and speech training. An objective quantitative standard was established to evaluate the change of velopharyngeal closure of cleft palate patients after surgery and conservative treatment.
Conclusions:
The method used is more succinct, accurate and practical than previous methods. In order to reflect the state of velopharyngeal incompetence, the concept of improvement rate of velopharyngeal incompetence (IRVPI) is put forward.
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