Abstract
BACKGROUND: Le Fort I maxillary distraction with the rigid external distraction (RED) device is performed to correct severe midface retrusion in cleft patients, but it may adversely affect velopharyngeal function.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the angular changes in the levator veli palatini (LVP) and its influence on velopharyngeal function after maxillary distraction using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) scan volume rendered images.
METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 12 patients. Group 1 had no velopharyngeal function deterioration and group 2 had velopharyngeal function deterioration. Preoperative and 1 year postoperative CT scans were analyzed with Mimics v10 software. Segmentation of the LVP and the nasopharyngeal airway was performed and volumetric images were obtained. Six measurements were made: (1) the angle between the levator plane and the Frankfort horizontal, (2) the angle between the levator plane and the soft palate plane, (3) the angle between the 2 LVP muscles, (4) the pharyngeal depth, and (5, 6) the movement of the inferior pharyngeal point with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes. The independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney test, and paired t tests were used for statistical analyses (P < 0.05).
RESULTS: Group 2 had statistically significant reduction in the angle between the levator plane and Frankfort horizontal as well as the soft palate plane. Group 1 had a statistically significant increase in the pharyngeal depth and movement of the inferior pharyngeal point with respect to the horizontal plane.
CONCLUSION: A decrease in the angle between the levator plane and the Frankfort horizontal or the soft palate plane was associated with velopharyngeal function deterioration.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 687-690 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | The Journal of craniofacial surgery |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 1 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology