Instrumental assessment of velopharyngeal function and resonance: a review

The purpose of this literature review is to describe and discuss instrumental assessment techniques of the velopharyngeal function in order to diagnose velopharyngeal disorders and resonance characteristics. Both direct and indirect assessment techniques are addressed, in which successively nasopharyngoscopy, videofluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cephalometric radiographic analysis, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, acoustic and aerodynamic measurements are considered. Despite the multiple instrumental assessments available to detect and define velopharyngeal dysfunction, the ideal technique is not yet accessible. Therefore, a combination of different quantitative parameters can possibly form a solution for a more reliable determination of resonance disorders. These multi-dimensional approaches will be described and discussed. The combination of quantitative measurement techniques and perceptual evaluation of nasality will probably remain necessary to provide sufficient information to make appropriate decisions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of resonance disorders.

Learning outcomes: The reader will be able to describe and discuss currently available instrumental techniques to assess the velopharyngeal mechanism and its functioning in order to diagnose velopharyngeal disorders. Additionally, he will be able to explain the possible advantages of the combination of several types of complementary measurement techniques.