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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Finite element analysis of eustachian tube function in cleft palate infants based on histological reconstructions
F J Sheer1, J D Swarts, S N Ghadiali
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Insights
Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction is common in infants with cleft palate (CP). This study found that tensor veli palatini muscle force and tissue compliance significantly impact ET opening, crucial for infant CP health.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Anatomy
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion affects nearly all infants with cleft palate (CP).
- Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction is the primary suspected cause of this condition in infants with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the functional impact of ET anatomy in infant CP specimens.
- To determine the biomechanical properties influencing ET function in infants with CP.
Main Methods:
- Developed finite element models of ET anatomy and physiology using 3D reconstruction from infant CP specimens.
- Analyzed the effects of muscle forces (tensor veli palatini, levator veli palatini), cartilage, mucosal compliance, and hamular position on ET airflow resistance.
Main Results:
- Tensor veli palatini muscle force and the compliance of periluminal mucosa and cartilage were significant predictors of airflow resistance.
- These factors influence ET opening during muscle-assisted dilation.
Conclusions:
- Finite element models identified tensor veli palatini muscle force as a direct predictor of ET opening in infants with CP.
- Mucosal and cartilage compliance indirectly predict ET opening, while hamular position and levator veli palatini force showed no significant effect.
Introduction:
The prevalence of otitis media with effusion approaches 100% in infants with cleft palate (CP), and disease pathogenesis is believed to be caused by eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction.
Objectives:
Quantify the functional consequences of ET anatomy in infant CP specimens, and identify the relative importance of various tissue biomechanical properties on ET function in infants with CP.
Methods:
Finite element models of ET anatomy and physiology were developed by using image analysis and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques. Models were developed using histological images of ET structures obtained from five infant CP specimens. The models were parameterized, and the effects of varying model parameters, which included tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini force, ET cartilage, periluminal mucosal compliance, and hamular position on resistance to airflow through the tubal lumen, were determined.
Results:
Of the evaluated parameters, only applied tensor veli palatini muscle force and compliance of the periluminal mucosa and cartilage tissues were significant predictors of resistance to airflow through the ET during muscle-assisted opening.
Conclusions:
Finite element models of ET function in the CP infant identified tensor veli palatini muscle force as a direct predictor and mucosal/cartilage compliance as an indirect predictor of ET opening during muscle-assisted lumen dilations. Hamular position and levator veli palatini force were not found to have an effect on ET function in CP infants.
