Growth and Symmetry of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle Within the First Two Years of Life.

Objective: To quantify differences in levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle dimensions based on age, sex, and race and determine the typical range of asymmetry between the left and right sides of the LVP under age 2.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Children's tertiary care hospital.

Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Dimensions in Infants 0-12 Months: Between- and Within-Group Differences Based on Age and Sex.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to (a) provide quantitative data on the growth of levator veli palatini (LVP), velopharyngeal (VP), and craniofacial dimensions in children under 12 months while controlling for corrected age and sex and (b) compare variability within age and sex groups.

Method: Magnetic resonance imaging scans of 75 infants between 0 and 12 months were measured and divided into four age groups. These data were obtained as part of a larger retrospective study.

Lack of Immediate Diagnosis and Appropriate Intervention Leads to Malnutrition in an Infant With Cleft Palate.

This case report describes a full-term infant with a cleft palate who experienced malnutrition because of the delayed introduction of a cleft-adapted bottle and identifies potential areas for improvement in clinical practice. The infant's weight for age z-score at birth was 0.05 and dropped to -1.

Examining Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Structures in Premature Infants: A Window Into the Womb.

Background: Very little is known about how the velopharynx and levator veli palatini muscle develop in utero. The purpose of this study was to describe craniofacial, velopharyngeal, and levator veli palatini dimensions in a group of infants born prematurely and imaged before 40 weeks gestation.

Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study design was utilized to examine the MRI scans of 6 infants less than 40 weeks' gestation.

Continuing Education Needs of Speech-Language Pathologists for Assessing and Treating Children With Cleft Palate: A National Analysis Across Areas of Varying Population Density.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify training gaps and continuing education (CE) needs for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in evaluating and treating children with cleft palate across and among areas of varying population density.

Method: An anonymous 35-question survey lasting approximately 10-15 min was created in Qualtrics based on a previously published study. The survey information and link were electronically distributed to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)-certified SLPs through ASHA listservs, social media, individual-state SLP organizations, and an e-mail list of publicly listed SLPs.

Students' Perception of a Virtual Dissection Laboratory in Undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing: A Focus Group Study.

Hands-on laboratory experience that allows for manipulation of realistic and relevant materials in course curricula has been shown to improve students' learning, understanding, and critical thinking skills. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of students who engaged in laboratory coursework using a virtual dissection (VD) table as part of an undergraduate course in anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing. Undergraduate students enrolled in an anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing course at a single university for the fall 2021 semester consented to participate.

Characterizing Speech Phenotype in Individuals With Craniofacial Microsomia: A Scoping Review.

Introduction: Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a complex congenital condition primarily affecting the ear, mandible, facial nerve and muscles, and tongue. Individuals with CFM are at increased risk of hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and feeding/swallowing difficulties. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize evidence pertaining to speech production in CFM.

Current Postoperative Feeding Practices Following Surgical Repairs for Infants With Cleft Palate.

Background: Nearly all surgeons have restrictive postoperative feeding protocols in place after primary cleft lip and cleft palate repairs. There are no standardized recommendations, potentially resulting in widely variable practices among cleft surgeons and teams. The purpose of this study was to examine current postoperative feeding practices for infants with cleft palate after lip and palate repairs.

Where is the Care? Identifying the Impact of Rurality on SLP Caseloads and Treatment Decisions for Children with Cleft Palate.

Challenges providing cleft/craniofacial care in rural communities are often reported, leading to disparities in resources available to clinicians. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of rurality on caseloads and practice patterns of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding speech and velopharyngeal function for children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). A national, survey of US-based SLPs (N = 359 respondents) investigated resources, comfort level, caseloads, and practice patterns for children with CL/P.

Characterising the speech phenotype in individuals with craniofacial microsomia: a scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Asymmetric mandibular hypoplasia, microtia, tongue and laryngeal anomalies, and soft palate and facial nerve dysfunction are clinical features observed in children with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). Despite involvement of all these structures in hearing and speech, there is limited evidence reporting speech outcomes in this population. Systematic reviews of clinical and surgical interventions related to CFM have been published, but no methodological review of speech outcomes exists.

Impact of Prenatal Care on Newborn Complications for Infants with Cleft Lip with or Without Cleft Palate.

Objective: To determine the association between prenatal care and cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± P) and examine differences in newborn complications among infants diagnosed with CL ± P as a function of prenatal care.

Design: Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting: 2018 United States National Vital Statistics System-Natality component (NVSS-N) was used to examine nationwide birth certificate data.

Current Practice Patterns and Training Pathways for Feeding Infants with Cleft Palate.

Objective: To examine the current trends and practices across disciplines for feeding infants with cleft palate with or without cleft lip and to describe provider training within this area.

Design: Prospective survey.

Setting: ACPA approved cleft palate teams and healthcare providers in the United States and Canada.

Treatment of Speech Sound Errors in Cleft Palate: A Tutorial for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.

Purpose: Cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects in the United States. Most of these children receive speech therapy by preschool and school-based clinicians. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive tutorial for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) regarding treatment techniques and principles for children with cleft palate.

An Exploratory Investigation of the Palatoglossus Muscle in Children Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Purpose: There is currently little evidence reporting the typical morphology of the palatoglossus (PG) muscle. The primary purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods used to quantify the morphology of the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle can be applied to the PG. The secondary purpose is to provide preliminary data regarding the relationship between the LVP and PG muscles in children.

Growth Effects on Velopharyngeal Anatomy Within the First 2 Years of Life.

Purpose: Limited quantitative data exist regarding growth of the velopharynx within the first 2 years of life. The purpose of this study was to (a) quantify changes in velopharyngeal structures due to growth during the first 2 years of life, (b) examine the impact of sex and race within this age range, and (c) provide normative measures for comparison to individuals with cleft palate.

Method/description: A retrospective chart review was completed of all patients up to 24 months of age that underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the head for medical necessity within the past 18 months using a three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence.

A Midsagittal-View Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of the Growth and Involution of the Adenoid Mass and Related Changes in Selected Velopharyngeal Structures.

Purpose: The adenoids, or pharyngeal tonsils, consist of a pad of lymphoid tissue, located on the posterior pharyngeal wall of the nasopharynx. During childhood, the adenoid pad serves as a contact site for the soft palate to assist with velopharyngeal closure during oral speech. During adenoidal involution, most children are able to maintain appropriate velopharyngeal closure necessary for normal speech resonance.

Nonsedated Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Visualization of the Velopharynx in the Pediatric Population.

Background: Non-sedated MRI is gaining traction in clinical settings for visualization of the velopharynx in children with velopharyngeal insufficiency. However, the behavioral adaptation and training aspects that are essential for successful pediatric MRI have received limited attention.

Solution: We outline a program of behavioral modifications combined with patient education and provider training that has led to high success rates for non-sedated velopharyngeal MRI in children.

What is the Fate of the Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap When Used During Primary Palatoplasty?

Pedicled buccal fat pad flaps have more recently been applied to primary cleft palate reconstruction, and yet the integrity of the flap and the long-term impact on the palate has not yet been studied. This case study uses magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the composition of the soft palate 5 years after the interpositional placement of bilateral pedicled buccal fat pad flaps during primary palatoplasty. Anatomical measures are used to quantify the flap and surrounding velopharynx using magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional computer technology, indicating that this surgical technique may have a lasting impact for children with cleft palate.

Does the Type of MRI Sequence Influence Perceived Quality and Measurement Consistency in Investigations of the Anatomy of the Velopharynx?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate perceived image quality, confidence in identifying key velopharyngeal landmarks, and reliability of making velopharyngeal measures between 3-dimensional (3-D) and 2-D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods and between T1-, T2-, and proton density (PD)-weighted sequences.

Methods: Twelve healthy participants completed an MRI study. Three raters assessed overall image quality and their ability to identify key anatomic features within the images.

A Preliminary Study of Anatomical Changes Following the Use of a Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap During Primary Palatoplasty.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical impact of the pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) flap on the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle and surrounding velopharyngeal (VP) anatomy following primary palatoplasty using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Design: Observational, prospective.

Setting: MRI studies were completed at 3 different facilities.

Asymmetry and Positioning of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle in Children With Repaired Cleft Palate.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in velopharyngeal dimensions as well as levator veli palatini (levator) muscle morphology, positioning, and symmetry of children with repaired cleft palate with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), children with repaired cleft palate with complete velopharyngeal closure, and children with noncleft anatomy. Method Fifteen children ranging in age from 4 to 8 years were recruited for this study. Ten of the participants had a history of repaired cleft palate, half with documented VPI and the other half with velopharyngeal closure.

Differences in the Tensor Veli Palatini Muscle and Hearing Status in Children With and Without 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

Purpose: To investigate the dimensions of the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle using high image resolution 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the soft palate among children with normal velopharyngeal and craniofacial anatomy and to compare values to individuals with a diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). We also sought to determine whether there is a relationship between hypoplasia of the TVP and severity of middle ear dysfunction and hearing loss.

Morphological variation of the velum in children and adults using magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in velar shape according to age, sex, and race using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials And Methods: The study sample consisted of 170 participants (85 children, 85 adults) between 4 and 34 years of age. Velar morphology was visually classified using midsagittal MRI scans for each participant by 2 independent raters.

Morphology of the Musculus Uvulae In Vivo Using MRI and 3D Modeling Among Adults With Normal Anatomy and Preliminary Comparisons to Cleft Palate Anatomy.

Purpose: To investigate the musculus uvulae morphology in vivo in adults with normal velopharyngeal anatomy and to examine sex and race effects on the muscle morphology. We also sought to provide a preliminary comparison of musculus uvulae morphology in adults with normal velopharyngeal anatomy to adults with repaired cleft palate.

Methods: Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging data and Amira 5.

Nasometric Comparison Between Spanish-English Bilingual and English Monolingual Children.

Objective: It is well established in the literature that English diagnostic tests should not be directly applied to speakers whose primary language is Spanish. Normative nasalance data across word and sentence-level stimuli among Spanish-English bilingual children living in the United States have not been provided. The present study aims to (1) compare differences in nasalance between typically developing Spanish-English bilingual children and English-speaking monolingual children and (2) determine whether within-speaker nasalance differences exist in Spanish-English bilingual children when presented with English and Spanish speech stimuli.