Orofacial Strength and Functions in Filipino Adults With Delayed Palatal (and Lip) Closure

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial Surgery
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Orofacial Myology

Background:

• Cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) often requires surgical repair.
• Delayed primary palatal closure can impact long-term orofacial function.
• Understanding myofunctional outcomes is crucial for rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate orofacial myofunctional disorders in Filipino adults with CP±L.
• To compare outcomes between delayed and early lip/palatal closure.
• To assess the impact of delayed repair on orofacial muscle function.

Main Methods:

• Included 19 Filipino adults with CP±L (delayed primary palatal closure).
• Compared outcomes with a control group without CP±L.
• Utilized perceptual and instrumental orofacial myofunctional assessments.

Main Results:

• Patients with CP±L and delayed palatal closure showed poorer orofacial myofunctional outcomes than controls.
• Reduced appearance, posture, oropharyngeal structure mobility/functionality, and muscle strength were observed.
• Delayed lip closure resulted in more severe myofunctional disorders compared to early lip closure.

Conclusions:

• Delayed primary palatal closure in CP±L patients is associated with increased orofacial myofunctional disorders.
• Delayed lip closure exacerbates these disorders, suggesting incomplete functional recovery.
• Further research and global collaboration are needed for improved orofacial rehabilitation.