Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to attain metric data of the velopharyngeal dimensions of healthy subjects as well as patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency using the example of cleft and lip palate (CLP) in order to determine possible differences in the volumes of both groups.MethodsVolumes and distances of velopharyngeal areas were analyzed retrospectively using cone beam computed tomography data sets (n = 60). Group 1 included healthy patients receiving dental implants (n = 31). Group 2 was represented by patients with surgically closed cleft lip and palate (n = 29).ResultsBiggest differences among mean values of both groups were found for: minimum axial area (p = 0.000), airway area caudal (p = 0.000), distance between posterior nasal spine and posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) (p = 0.014), mean distance between velum and PPW (p = 0.000), length of PPW (p = 0.000) and length of anterior pharyngeal wall (p = 0.000).ConclusionDifferences in the shape and geometry of the velopharyngeal area in subjects with a regular velopharyngeal structure and function and patients with cleft palate do exist. The significant differences found here can be categorized into two groups: one reflects distances between the anterior and posterior pharynx, presenting longer distances for patients with CLP. The second significant difference regards values of length in cranio-caudal direction, which is longer in healthy subjects. With regards to these values, one could conclude, that even though total volumes of both groups did not differ in size, group 1 shows three-dimensional velopharyngeal shapes that are longer and narrower, whereas shapes of patients of group 2 tend to be wider and shorter in general.
Highlights
The velopharyngeal closure represents a very important function during different tasks, such as swallowing and speech
The velopharyngeal closure is achieved by the velum, lateral and posterior pharyngeal walls
In a first step this study aims to attain metric data of the velopharyngeal dimensions of healthy subjects as well as patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency at rest using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in order to determine whether differences in dimensions exist with regard to clinical significance
Summary
The velopharyngeal closure represents a very important function during different tasks, such as swallowing and speech. In both swallowing as well as phonation the muscles of the pharynx and the soft palate are involved fundamentally. [8], by opening and closing the airway between the nasoand oropharynx (velopharyngeal closure). The velopharyngeal closure is achieved by the velum, lateral and posterior pharyngeal walls. Depending on the exact task the following muscles may be involved: m. During swallowing the velopharyngeal closure prevents food regurgitation into the nasal cavity, and during phonation it regulates nasal resonance. Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) may result in dysphagia as well as speech impairments, such as rhinophonia [8]
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