Abstract
Twenty-two patients with surgically-untreated submucous cleft palate were studied. After an initial thorough speech evaluation, they were followed for at least 2 years (average 5 years and 2months). Speech evaluation was performed by intraoral and speech analysis, instrumental examination, cephalography, and videonasoendoscopy. The results were as follows:
1. During the course of observation, velopharyngeal function deterior ated in 3 subjects and improved in 5.
2. Articular disorders improved in 3 subjects. In 2 other subjects the type of articulation disorder changed. No significant relationship was found between articulation disorder and velopharyngeal function.
3. Feeding difficulties or rhinorrhea occurred in 5 subjects. There symptoms were not related to velopharyngeal insufficiency.
4. Patients w ith a soft palate to pharynx ratio of less than 1.0 were significantly more frequent in the surgically-treated group.
5. No significant relationship was found between the contour of the velopharyngeal portal at rest, velopharyngeal closure pattern and velopharyngeal function.
Not all patients with submuous cleft palate are symptomatic and require surgical treatment. Surgical treatment of this condition should be considered only after adequate speech evaluation.
