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Jones CA, Lagus JF, Abdelhalim SM, Osborn CM, Colevas SM, McCulloch TM. Normative High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry: Impact of Age, Size of System, and Sex on Primary Metrics and Pressure Stability. Dysphagia 2024; 39:648-665. [PMID: 38231239 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
There have been many reports of normative pharyngeal swallowing pressures using high-resolution pharyngeal manometry, but there is a fair amount of between-subject variance in reported pressure parameters. The purpose of this study was to put forward normative pharyngeal high-resolution manometry measures across the lifespan and investigate the effects of age, size of system, and sex. High-resolution pharyngeal manometry was performed on 98 healthy adults (43 males) between the ages 21 and 89. Pressure duration, maxima, integral, and within-individual variability metrics were averaged over 10 swallows of 10-ml thin liquid. Multiple linear and logistic regressions with model fitting were used to examine how pharyngeal pressures relate to age, pharyngeal size, and sex. Age was associated with tongue base maximum pressure, tongue base maximum variability, and upper esophageal sphincter-integrated relaxation pressure (F3,92 = 6.69; p < 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.15). Pharyngeal area during bolus hold was associated with velopharynx integral (F1,89 = 5.362; p = 0.02; adjusted R2 = 0.05), and there was no significant model relating pharyngeal pressures to C2-C4 length (p < 0.05). Sex differences were best described by tongue base integral and hypopharynx maximum variability (χ2 = 10.27; p = 0.006; pseudo R2 = 0.14). Normative data reveal the distribution of swallow pressure metrics which need to be accounted for when addressing dysphagia patients, the importance of pressure interactions in normal swallow, and address the relative stability of swallow metrics with normal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne A Jones
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St. Bldg. B, Stop Z0700, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of WI - Madison, K4/710 CSC, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Jilliane F Lagus
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Suzan M Abdelhalim
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of WI - Madison, K4/710 CSC, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Caroline M Osborn
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sophia M Colevas
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of WI - Madison, K4/710 CSC, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Timothy M McCulloch
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of WI - Madison, K4/710 CSC, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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Nishikubo-Tanaka K, Asayama R, Kochi K, Okada M, Tanaka K, Yamada H, Hato N. Oral Intake Difficulty and Aspiration Pneumonia Assessment Using High-Resolution Manometry. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:2127-2135. [PMID: 37916796 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The sequential generation of swallowing pressure (SP) from the nasopharynx to the proximal esophagus is important for the bolus to pass from the oral cavity to the esophagus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of the SP sequence mode on high-resolution manometry (HRM) with oral intake difficulty and aspiration pneumonia. METHODS Consecutive patients with dysphagia who were admitted to our dysphagia clinic between November 2016 and November 2020 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We classified the HRM pressure topography data according to the SP sequence mode into type A, normal; B, partially decreased; C, totally decreased; and D, sequence disappeared, and according to the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) during pharyngeal swallowing into type 1, flattening and 2, non-flattening. Clinical dysphagia severity was determined based on oral intake difficulty and aspiration pneumonia. RESULTS In total, 202 patients with dysphagia (mean [standard deviation] age, 68.3 [14.5] years; 140 [69.8%] male) were enrolled. Type C (odds ratio [OR], 10.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.89-51.45), type D (OR, 19.90; 95% CI, 4.18-122.35), and type 2 (OR, 6.36; 95% CI, 2.88-14.57) were significantly related to oral intake difficulty. Type C (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.08-11.12) and type 2 (OR, 4.18; 95% CI, 1.95-9.15) were significantly associated with aspiration pneumonia. CONCLUSION The failure of sequential generation of SP was associated with higher risk of oral intake difficulty and aspiration pneumonia. These assessments are useful in understanding the pathophysiology and severity of dysphagia and in selecting safety nutritional management methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 134:2127-2135, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Nishikubo-Tanaka
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Rie Asayama
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Kochi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Masahiro Okada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Keiko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Naohito Hato
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
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Miller S, Kallusky J, Zimmerer R, Tavassol F, Gellrich NC, Ptok M, Jungheim M. Differences in velopharyngeal pressures during speech sound production in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and healthy individuals. GERMAN MEDICAL SCIENCE : GMS E-JOURNAL 2024; 22:Doc02. [PMID: 38651020 PMCID: PMC11034380 DOI: 10.3205/000328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Background During articulation the velopharynx needs to be opened and closed rapidly and a tight closure is needed. Based on the hypothesis that patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) produce lower pressures in the velopharynx than healthy individuals, this study compared pressure profiles of the velopharyngeal closure during articulation of different sounds between healthy participants and patients with surgically closed unilateral CLP (UCLP) using high resolution manometry (HRM). Materials and methods Ten healthy adult volunteers (group 1: 20-25.5 years) and ten patients with a non-syndromic surgically reconstructed UCLP (group 2: 19.1-26.9 years) were included in this study. Pressure profiles during the articulation of four sounds (/i:/, /s/, /ʃ/ and /n/) were measured by HRM. Maximum, minimum and average pressures, time intervals as well as detection of a previously described 3-phase-model were compared. Results Both groups presented with similar pressure curves for each phoneme with regards to the phases described and pressure peaks, but differed in total pressures. An exception was noted for the sound /i:/, where a 3-phase-model could not be seen for most patients with UCLP. Differences in velopharynx pressures of 50% and more were found between the two groups. Maximum and average pressures in the production of the alveolar fricative reached statistical significance. Conclusions It can be concluded that velopharyngeal pressures of patients with UCLP are not sufficient to eliminate nasal resonance or turbulence during articulation, especially for more complex sounds. These results support a general understanding of hypernasality during speech implying a (relative) velopharyngeal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Miller
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- Institute of General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Johanna Kallusky
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Zimmerer
- Department of Oral and Maxillifacial Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Tavassol
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medicine Halle, Germany
| | | | - Martin Ptok
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Michael Jungheim
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- HNO Phoniatrie Praxis, Bremen, Germany
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Miller S, Peters K, Ptok M, Jungheim M. Modification of velopharyngeal closure pressures during phonation by neuromuscular electrical stimulation in healthy individuals. GERMAN MEDICAL SCIENCE : GMS E-JOURNAL 2024; 22:Doc03. [PMID: 38651019 PMCID: PMC11034089 DOI: 10.3205/000329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Rhinophonia aperta may result from velopharyngeal insufficiency. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been discussed in the context of muscle strengthening. The aim of this study was to evaluate in healthy subjects whether NMES can change the velopharyngeal closure pattern during phonation and increase muscle strength. Method Eleven healthy adult volunteers (21-57 years) were included. Pressure profiles were measured by high resolution manometry (HRM): isolated sustained articulation of /a/ over 5 s (protocol 1), isolated NMES applied to soft palate above motor threshold (protocol 2) and combined articulation with NMES (protocol 3). Mean activation pressures (MeanAct), maximum pressures (Max), Area under curve (AUC) and type of velum reactions were compared. A statistical comparison of mean values of protocol 1 versus protocol 3 was carried out using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Ordinally scaled parameters were analyzed by cross table. Results MeanAct values measured: 17.15±20.69 mmHg (protocol 1), 34.59±25.75 mmHg (protocol 3) on average, Max: 37.86±49.17 mmHg (protocol 1), 87.24±59.53 mmHg (protocol 3) and AUC: 17.06±20.70 mmHg.s (protocol 1), 33.76±23.81 mmHg.s (protocol 3). Protocol 2 produced velum reactions on 32 occasions. These presented with MeanAct values of 13.58±12.40 mmHg, Max values of 56.14±53.14 mmHg and AUC values of 13.84±12.78 mmHg.s on average. Statistical analysis comparing protocol 1 and 3 showed more positive ranks for MeanAct, Max and AUC. This difference reached statistical significance (p=0.026) for maximum pressure values. Conclusions NMES in combination with articulation results in a change of the velopharyngeal closure pattern with a pressure increase of around 200% in healthy individuals. This might be of therapeutic benefit for patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Miller
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- Institute of General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Katharina Peters
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Ptok
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Michael Jungheim
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- HNO Phoniatrie Praxis, Bremen, Germany
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Aras I, Yalcin A, Gode S, Aras A, Sezgin B, Durusoy D, Eyigor S. Evaluation of Swallowing Function in Relation to Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients with Operated Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate. J Craniofac Surg 2023; 34:e576-e580. [PMID: 37280736 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000009405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the occurrence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) signs and symptoms in patients with operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted on 15 adolescents with operated unilateral CLP (CLP group) and 15 non-cleft volunteers (control group). Initially, the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire was administered to subjects. OD signs and symptoms such as coughing, the sensation of choking, globus sensation, the need to clear the throat, nasal regurgitation, difficulties of bolus control multiple swallowing were evaluated by patient complaints and physical examination of swallowing function. Also, the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale was used to determine the severity of the OD. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with water, yogurt, and crackers was performed. RESULTS The prevalence of OD signs and symptoms based on patient complaints and physical examination of swallowing was low (range, 6.7 to 26.7%), and nonsignificant differences were observed between the groups for these parameters as well as for EAT-10 scores. According to the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale findings, 11 of 15 patients with CLP were asymptomatic. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing indicated that post-swallow pharyngeal wall residues with yogurt were significant in the CLP group with a prevalence of 53% ( P < 0.05), whereas differences between the groups in terms of cracker and water residues were nonsignificant ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSION OD in patients with repaired CLP was manifested mainly in the form of pharyngeal residue. However, it did not appear to cause significant increases in patient complaints compared with healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isil Aras
- School of Orthodontics Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | - Sercan Gode
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aynur Aras
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | | | - Sibel Eyigor
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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Calderon LF, Kline M, Hersh M, Shah KP, Kundu S, Tkaczuk A, McColloch N, Jain A. The Upper Esophageal Sphincter Distensibility Index Measured Using Functional Lumen Imaging Probe Identifies Defective Barrier Function of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 28:463-473. [PMID: 35799240 PMCID: PMC9274470 DOI: 10.5056/jnm21197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The mechanism via which supra-esophageal symptoms are generated is unclear. We assessed upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function in novel fashion using functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) topography. We hypothesize that symptoms related to aspiration of esophageal contents may be associated with a more distensible UES. Methods FLIP and reflux symptom index score data from patients undergoing diagnostic evaluation for an esophageal complaint over a 10-month period were analyzed retrospectively. UES distensibility on FLIP was studied at 40-70 mL volumes with in-depth analysis at 50 and 60 mL. Symptoms were compared between patients with low, middle, and high UES-distensibility index (UES-DI). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine associations between the UES-DI and individual reflux symptom index symptom item scores. Results One hundred and eleven subjects were included. Overall, the associations between UES-DI and symptoms that could be related to supra-esophageal aspiration were strongest at the 50 mL FLIP volume. Choking item score was highest in the high UES-DI group (2.8) vs 1.4 (P < 0.001) in the middle UES-DI and 1.1 (P = 0.004) in the low UES-DI groups. Similarly, the cough item score was highest in the high UES-DI group (2.7) vs 1.5 (P = 0.009) and 0.9 (P = 0.002) groups. Conclusion A higher UES-DI measures defective barrier function which could may be the main pathophysiology that generates supra-esophageal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie F Calderon
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Marc Hersh
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kevin P Shah
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suprateek Kundu
- Department of Medicine, Emory Data Analytics and Biostatistics Core, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew Tkaczuk
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nancy McColloch
- Department of Speech Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - AnS Jain
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Peters K, Miller S, Ptok M, Jungheim M. Phonation-induced Upper Esophageal Sphincter Contraction Caused by Different Phonation Types. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00160-6. [PMID: 35906176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) has been reported to show activity during phonation. As it is still unknown whether the phonation-induced UES contraction represents a reflex or a simultaneous activation phenomenon, i.e. co-innervation, this study aims to investigate and characterize the phonation-induced contraction of the UES in healthy individuals by analyzing the influence of various phonation tasks on pressure parameters of the UES. METHODS Twenty-five healthy volunteers produced the German neutral vowel [ə] in five different phonation tasks (modal voice, whispering, voiceless speech, creaky voice, and whispery voice). Simultaneously, they underwent high resolution manometry and electroglottography for measurement of pressure parameters in the region of the UES and latencies between larynx and UES activation. RESULTS During all types of phonation, the maximum pressures of the UES increased significantly (maximum pressure increases of 72%-132%). With regard to mean pressures this was valid for modal voice and whispering (mean pressure increases of 20%-25%). Differences concerning total pressure changes reached statistical significance when comparing whispering and voiceless speech as well as whispery voice. However, differences concerning the total pressure change between modal voices on the one hand and voiceless speech and whispery voice on the other hand turned out to be small. The averaged time delay between larynx and UES activation ranged from approximately -15 ms (whispery voice) to +15 ms (whispering). CONCLUSION A phonation induced pressure increase of the UES was confirmed in this study and did exist for different types of phonation. The extent of total pressure changes in the UES increases in relation with laryngeal muscle activity necessary for the phonation type. Next to varying effects of different types of phonation on UES activation, very short latencies indicate that a phonation induced contraction of the UES exists most likely due to co-innervation of UES and laryngeal muscles by the vagus nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Peters
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Simone Miller
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Ptok
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Jungheim
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Three-dimensional analysis of the velopharyngeal region in patients with cleft palate and healthy individuals. Surg Radiol Anat 2020; 42:1033-1042. [PMID: 32638103 PMCID: PMC7363670 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-020-02526-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to attain metric data of the velopharyngeal dimensions of healthy subjects as well as patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency using the example of cleft and lip palate (CLP) in order to determine possible differences in the volumes of both groups. METHODS Volumes and distances of velopharyngeal areas were analyzed retrospectively using cone beam computed tomography data sets (n = 60). Group 1 included healthy patients receiving dental implants (n = 31). Group 2 was represented by patients with surgically closed cleft lip and palate (n = 29). RESULTS Biggest differences among mean values of both groups were found for: minimum axial area (p = 0.000), airway area caudal (p = 0.000), distance between posterior nasal spine and posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) (p = 0.014), mean distance between velum and PPW (p = 0.000), length of PPW (p = 0.000) and length of anterior pharyngeal wall (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION Differences in the shape and geometry of the velopharyngeal area in subjects with a regular velopharyngeal structure and function and patients with cleft palate do exist. The significant differences found here can be categorized into two groups: one reflects distances between the anterior and posterior pharynx, presenting longer distances for patients with CLP. The second significant difference regards values of length in cranio-caudal direction, which is longer in healthy subjects. With regards to these values, one could conclude, that even though total volumes of both groups did not differ in size, group 1 shows three-dimensional velopharyngeal shapes that are longer and narrower, whereas shapes of patients of group 2 tend to be wider and shorter in general.
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Neuhaus MT, Zimmerer R, Zeller AN, Jehn P, Gellrich NC, Tavassol F. Influence of Unilateral Cleft Lip Configuration on Long-Term Facial Averageness: A New Three-Dimensional Analysis Approach. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2020; 23:132-139. [PMID: 32633562 DOI: 10.1089/fpsam.2020.0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Concepts regarding cleft lip and palate care vary widely globally, as there is no international consensus. Consequently, institutional surveillance of cleft concepts is essential. In addition to subjective expert rankings, three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry of the face has become the gold standard for evaluation and objective assessment of facial structures. We evaluated cleft configuration preoperatively to determine the influence thereof on the long-term facial appearance/averageness of unilateral cleft lip patients. Methods: Plaster models of the patient's labio-oral region and nose were made preoperatively, digitized, and cleft configuration assessed (cleft width, cleft-columella angle, nasal projection, heminasal width ratio, transverse lip length, labial height). Between 4 and 12 years after surgery, stereophotogrammetry (3D face scans) were captured to determine the patients' individual facial averageness index (FAI) as a deviation from the population mean, using proportion indices (PIs) of facial landmarks and reference data provided by Farkas and FaceBase. Results: Cleft width (r = 0.77) and columella length correlated strongly with long-term facial averageness (r = 0.52). Decreasing FAI was seen with increasing patient age (r = -0.42), indicating increasing facial averageness. Other cleft properties showed weaker correlations. Cleft alveolus did not have any impact on FAI. Conclusions: The presented method allows objective measurement of facial appearance/averageness as well as preoperative cleft properties. It might be superior to subjective assessments of facial attractiveness/appearance. Objective cleft measurements are strong predictors for future facial averageness. Increasing averageness with growth and age suggests late corrective surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael-Tobias Neuhaus
- Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Zimmerer
- Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Jehn
- Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nils-Claudius Gellrich
- Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank Tavassol
- Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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