Application of obturator to treat velopharyngeal incompetence.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of a system of velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) management after the application of obturator.


METHODS
Using nasopharyngofiberoscope (NPF) and a computer analysis system, we quantitatively analyzed the improved state of velopharyngeal incompetence in 100 patients with unilateral and/or bilateral cleft palate.


RESULTS
The velopharyngeal closure (VPC) can be greatly improved by using a temporary oral prosthesis (obturator) and speech training. An objective quantitative standard was established to evaluate the change of velopharyngeal closure of cleft palate patients after surgery and conservative treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The method used is more succinct, accurate and practical than previous methods. In order to reflect the state of velopharyngeal incompetence, the concept of improvement rate of velopharyngeal incompetence (IRVPI) is put forward.
Sun
Jian
J
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, China.
Li
Ningyi
N
Sun
Guilan
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*