Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Velopharyngeal insufficiency in hemifacial microsomia: analysis of correlated factors
Emi Funayama1, Hiroharu H Igawa, Noriko Nishizawa
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan. emi-f@bc.iij4u.or.jp
Objective:
To investigate the incidence of unilateral hypodynamic palate (UHP) and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in hemifacial microsomia (HFM), and to determine the dysmorphic manifestations having significant associations with UHP/VPI in HFM.
Study Design:
This was a nonrandomized study of 48 patients with unilateral HFM without cleft palate. The correlation between each anomaly and UHP/VPI was analyzed statistically. In addition, we observed 4 HFM patients with cleft palate to examine the influence on cleft palate speech.
Results:
The incidence of UHP in HFM was 50.0% and that of VPI was 14.6%. All the VPI patients had UHP. Severe micrognathia and soft tissue deficiency, macrostomia, and mental retardation were significant risk factors for developing VPI in HFM. Moreover, UHP exacerbated speech in HFM with cleft lip and palate.
Conclusions:
Significant correlations were detected between VPI and HFM. This finding should be helpful in the overall management of HFM.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Esophageal Achalasia
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...

