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Objective evaluation of velopharyngeal function by acoustic reflection measurements.
M Kunkel1, U Wahlmann, W Wagner
1Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie (Direktor: Univ.-Professor Dr. Dr. W. Wagner), Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland.
Mund-, Kiefer- Und Gesichtschirurgie : MKG
|March 26, 2013
Summary
Acoustic pharyngometry effectively differentiates velopharyngeal mobility in cleft palate patients by measuring epipharyngeal volume changes. This non-invasive technique aids in monitoring treatment outcomes for velopharyngeal dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging and diagnostics
- Speech and language pathology
- Craniofacial anomalies research
Background:
- Velopharyngeal mobility is crucial for speech intelligibility.
- Assessing velopharyngeal function in cleft palate patients presents diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate acoustic pharyngometry's ability to distinguish velopharyngeal mobility.
- To determine epipharyngeal volume changes during active muscle function in cleft and non-cleft individuals.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 33 cleft palate patients and 32 controls.
- Transnasal acoustic measurements of airway cross-sectional area with relaxed and tensed pharyngeal muscles.
- Epipharyngeal volume changes (EV 0-5) calculated from airway profiles.
Main Results:
- Acoustic pharyngometry significantly discriminated velopharyngeal mobility between groups (P < 0.05).
- Cleft palate patients showed reduced epipharyngeal volume changes (6.5 cm³) compared to controls (8.0 cm³).
- Identified 'pharyngeal flap type' and 'non-pharyngeal flap type' restrictions.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic pharyngometry is a non-invasive, quantitative tool for evaluating velopharyngeal mobility.
- It shows promise for objectively monitoring therapeutic interventions in cleft palate patients.
- Enhances understanding of velopharyngeal movement patterns in cleft palate cases.
