title: Evaluation of articulation simulation system using artificial maxillectomy models.
abstract: Acoustic evaluation is valuable for guiding the treatment of maxillofacial defects and determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation with an obturator prosthesis. Model simulations are important in terms of pre-surgical planning and pre- and post-operative speech function. This study aimed to evaluate the acoustic characteristics of voice generated by an articulation simulation system using a vocal tract model with or without artificial maxillectomy defects. More specifically, we aimed to establish a speech simulation system for maxillectomy defect models that both surgeons and maxillofacial prosthodontists can use in guiding treatment planning. Artificially simulated maxillectomy defects were prepared according to Aramany's classification (Classes I-VI) in a three-dimensional vocal tract plaster model of a subject uttering the vowel /a/. Formant and nasalance acoustic data were analysed using Computerized Speech Lab and the Nasometer, respectively. Formants and nasalance of simulated /a/ sounds were successfully detected and analysed. Values of Formants 1 and 2 for the non-defect model were 675.43 and 976.64 Hz, respectively. Median values of Formants 1 and 2 for the defect models were 634.36 and 1026.84 Hz, respectively. Nasalance was 11% in the non-defect model, whereas median nasalance was 28% in the defect models. The results suggest that an articulation simulation system can be used to help surgeons and maxillofacial prosthodontists to plan post-surgical defects that will be facilitate maxillofacial rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Elbashti
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hattori
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Y I
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Sumita
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Taniguchi
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D010699:Phonation / Q000502:physiology*; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology*; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D013068:Speech Production Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D014833:Voice Quality
keywords: Aramany's classification; acoustic analysis; articulation simulation system; formant; magnetic resonance imaging; maxillectomy