title: [Speech outcomes in patients of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula composite flap].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Lian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Chi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: Guang-yan
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Chuan-bin
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Xiao-jing
authors.initials: XJ
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013524:Surgical Flaps