Cephalometric findings among children with velopharyngeal dysfunction following adenoidectomy-A retrospective study

Objectives: To characterise 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: Thirty-nine 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 analysed.

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±5.1 mm, P<.05). The anterior skull base, N-S, was similar (68.1 mm±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.