Velopharyngeal Function in Cleft Lip and Palate Patientsfollowing Le Fort I Maxillary Advancement

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the changes of velopharyngeal function in mandibular protrusion patients with cleft lip and palate following Le Fort I maxillary advancement.
Cineradiographic examination was carried out before and 4 and 10 months after surgery. The movements of oropharyngeal structures during swallowing and phonation and the swallowing transit time were analyzed.
The evaluation of their speech was done before and 10 months after surgery.
The results were as follows
1. The soft palate m ovement was reduced after surgery.
2. The time point of start of swallowing at after surgery was behind that at before surgery.
3. Articulation disorder did not occurred after surgery.
From this study, it was suggested that Le Fore I maxillary advancement for mandibular protrusion patients with cleft lip and palate bring in changes on a mode of velopharyngeal function after surgery.