Cephalometric Findings among Children with Velopharyngeal Dysfunction following Adenoidectomy – a retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives

To characterize the craniofacial structure by cephalometry, especially the skull base and nasopharyngeal space, in children who underwent adenoidectomy and developed persistent velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Speech and swallowing clinic of a single academic hospital.

Participants

39 children with persistent VPD following adenoidectomy (mean age 8.0±3.6 years) and a control group of 80 healthy children.

Main outcome measures

Cephalometric landmarks were chosen; craniofacial linear and angular dimensions were measured and analyzed.

Results

The linear dimensions of the nasopharyngeal area were shorter in the VPD group, S-Ba (41.6±4.2 mm, p<.05) and S-Ptm (42.4±5.1mm, p<.05). The anterior skull base, N-S, was similar (68.1mm±6.8).

The velum length, Ptm-P was significantly shorter in the VPD group (27.8±4.3 mm, p<.001). The Ba-S-Ptm angle was significantly larger in the VPD group (63.5±5.6°, p<.001). There was no significant difference in cranial base angle (CBA), Ba-S-N, between the two groups.

Conclusions

Cephalometry may provide information regarding persistent postoperative VPD. The nasopharyngeal space angle and velar length appear to be risk factors for persistent VPD after adenoidectomy.

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