Longitudinal Analysis of Growth of the Soft Palate and Nasopharynx from Six Months to Six Years

Abstract

Between the ages of six months and six years, longitudinal lateral headfz'lms were taken on 54 patients with palatal clefts or with unilateral and bilateral clefts of the lip and palate. They were measured and were compared to data on both normals and subjects with clefts of the lip only. The objectives of the study were: 1. To study the effects ofpalatal surgery on the growth of the soft palate. 2. To compare the growth of the soft palate and nasopharynx among the patients with various types of clefts and normals. 3. To study the growth acceleration or so-called catch-up growth after palatal surgery at various ages. (Anterior palatal surgery at 14 months i 2 months. Posterior palatal surgery at 16 months i 2 months.) 4. To evaluate the relationship between velopharyngeal growth in cleft groups and voice quality.