Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2003;38(6):411-413

Speech outcomes in patients of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula composite flap.

Xin PENG 1 ; Lian MA ; Chi MAO ; Guang-yan YU ; Chuan-bin GUO ; Xiao-jing LI

Affiliations

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Country

China

Language

Chinese

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo evaluate speech outcomes in patients of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula composite flap.

METHODSSpeech 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.

RESULTSNo palatopharyngeal valve insufficiency was found and all the soft palates had good symmetry and movement. The average speech intelligibility was 98.4%.

CONCLUSIONSFree 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.