[Speech outcomes in patients of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula composite flap].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate speech outcomes in patients of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula composite flap.


METHODS
Speech measurements of 20 patients of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula composite flap were collected. Palatopharyngeal valve, the symmetry and movement of soft palate, hypernasality and nasal emission were examined by nasoendoscopy. At the same time the speech intelligibility was measured.


RESULTS
No palatopharyngeal valve insufficiency was found and all the soft palates had good symmetry and movement. The average speech intelligibility was 98.4%.


CONCLUSIONS
Free fibula composite flap can reconstruct the phonatory structure and support the function of soft palate, which can restorate speech function well. It is a good choice for maxillary reconstruction.
Peng
Xin
X
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.
Ma
Lian
L
Mao
Chi
C
Yu
Guang-yan
GY
Guo
Chuan-bin
CB
Li
Xiao-jing
XJ
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013524:Surgical Flaps