Imaging the Velopharyngeal Sphincter in the Unrepaired Cleft Palate—Unopposed Musculus Uvulae Activity
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
10492275
eISSN
15363732
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105003029544
Journal Title
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (2025)
Suggested Citation
Moore M.H., Chaisrisawadisuk S., Richards C. Imaging the Velopharyngeal Sphincter in the Unrepaired Cleft Palate—Unopposed Musculus Uvulae Activity. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (2025). doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000011363 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/109795
Title
Imaging the Velopharyngeal Sphincter in the Unrepaired Cleft Palate—Unopposed Musculus Uvulae Activity
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Author's Affiliation
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Abstract
In this report, the authors examine the case of a 28-year-old woman with an unrepaired isolated cleft palate, detailing her clinical evaluation and subsequent surgical management. Comprehensive evaluations included perceptual speech assessments, along with simultaneous nasendoscopy and lateral videofluoroscopy, allowing for a detailed analysis of the musculus uvulae and compensatory pharyngeal changes. The authors’ findings revealed the unopposed action of the musculus uvulae, which, along with tongue positioning and a prominent Passavant’s ridge, contributed to a compensatory adaptation in the velopharyngeal area. Subsequent surgical interventions improved speech outcomes, demonstrating the value of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cases of unrepaired cleft palate.