Effects of maxillary advancement on the speech of a sub-mucosal cleft palate patient

A nineteen-year-old patient with a surgically repiared sub-mucosal cleft palate was evaluted following a LeFort I osteotomy to determine the effects of the surgery of his speech. Tape recordings were made of his speech pre- and postoperatively during the administration of an articulation test, during casual conversation, and while repeating standard sentences. Spectrographic analysis of pre- and postoperative segments of a standard sentence were made. Results of the tests indicated that maxillary advancement had no adverse effect on articulation ability or voice in this case. Unexpected findings are discussed, and suggestions are given for clinical assessment and evaluation.