Abstract
The aim of this study was to retrospectively estimate intervention outcomes and to establish suitable indications for autogenous tiered cartilage augmentation (ATCA) of the posterior pharyngeal wall for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The sample cohort comprised 17 consecutive patients with VPI (10 boys, 7 girls), excluding syndromic cases. Pre- and postoperative findings were comprehensively evaluated using a combination of speech assessment and lateral pharyngography (LPG). Hypernasality and consonant distortion were scored (normal: 0; mild: 1; moderate: 2; severe: 3). Velopharyngeal gap size at rest (AC) and at maximum closure (BC) were measured on LPG. All patients displayed improvements in velopharyngeal function and speech score, and no patients required re-operation. Pre- and postoperative hypernasality scores were 1.9±0.5 and 0.6±0.5, respectively (P < .001). Pre- and postoperative consonant distortion scores were 1.9±0.6 and 0.6±0.5, respectively (P < .001). Pre- and postoperative AC distances were 8.2±3.4mm and 5.9±2.6mm, respectively (P < .001). Pre- and postoperative BC distances were 3.9±2.4mm and 0.3±0.8mm, respectively (P < .001). Conclusions: ATCA appears effective for surgical treatment of VPI patients with a gap less than 10mm.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
