Vascular anatomy of the velopharyngeal muscles and its clinical implications: A fresh cadaveric study based on micro-computed tomography.

Poor speech improvement after levator veli palatini (LVP) reconstruction may be related to intraoperative vascular injury. We aimed to examine the vascular anatomy of the velopharyngeal muscles to provide a guide for arterial protection in cleft palate repair. Fresh adult cadaveric heads were injected with gelatin/lead oxide. The velopharyngeal specimens were stained with iodine and scanned using micro-computed tomography. Three-dimensional reconstruction models were obtained using a computer-aided design software. The ascending palatine artery (APaA), especially the posterior branch, is the main artery supplying the velopharyngeal muscles. The posterior branch of the APaA reaches the dorsal part of the musculus uvulae in the posterior one third of the soft palate (SP) and lies 1.75 mm (standard deviation, 0.06) under the nasal mucosa; the anterior branch penetrates the anterolateral side of the LVP to reach the anterior one third of the SP and lies 7.09 mm (0.03) under the oral mucosa. The posterior APaA, anterior ApaA, and ApaA trunk had mean diameters of 0.41 mm (0.04), 0.46 mm (0.06), and 0.65 mm (0.04) at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 cm distance from the palatal midline, respectively. To minimize vascular injury, mobilization of muscles during intravelar veloplasty should be performed within a distance of 1 cm from the palatal midline, and dissection of the oral submucosa should be reduced in the anterior one third of the SP, while wide dissection of the nasal submucosal should be avoided in the posterior one third of the SP.

Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Association of Clinical and Histological Severity with Hearing Loss and Middle Ear Function.

OSMF is a precancerous condition of the oral cavity. Cons umption of Areca nut in quid has been proved to be the most consistent factor. To assess middle ear function in OSMF patients by audiometry and tympanometry. Two Hundred patients of < 40 years of age with OSMF were examined and followed by PTA and impedance audiometry. Impaired mobility was seen in 20(10%) ears, and retraction of tympanic membrane was found in 36(18%) ears. Clinical staging was done in four stages. Majority of the patients were males (58%) in the age group of 21-30 years belonging to stage III (38%) and IV (26%) respectively. PTA showed varying degrees of hearing loss in 73 (36.5%) ears. In Grade I, mild hearing loss was seen in 10 (35.71%) ears and moderately severe hearing loss was in 5 (11.36%) ears whereas in Grade II mild hearing loss in 11(25%) ears. Grade III and IV showed mild hearing loss in 11(14.47%) and 12 (23.07%) respectively. Tympanometry revealed type A curve in 126 (63%) ears followed by C curve in 50 (25%) and B curve in 24 (12%) ears. In patients of OSMF, there is involvement of palatal/paratubal muscles in the fibrosis process, which causes eustachian tube malfunction leading to disturbed middle ear functions and negative middle ear pressure. Most patients of oral submucous fibrosis showed direct association with grade of hearing impairment and eustachian tube dysfunction. Higher clinical grades, both clinically and histologically showed similar findings thereby we concluded that if the disease is treated early, preventing patients from having higher grades of disease, involvement of ear can be avoided, and patients can be saved from hearing impairment.

Pterygoid hamulus elongation syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Pain in the soft palate and pharynx can originate from numerous related anatomical structures. Therefore, the diagnosis of patients who complain of pain in these areas is also difficult and challenging. One of the anatomic disorders that causes pain and discomfort in this region is pterygoid hamulus elongation syndrome. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a rare case of pterygoid hamulus elongation with persistent sharp localized pain in the hamular region radiating to the temporal area for four years that was treated successfully by surgical resection of elongated hamulus. DISCUSSION: Pterygoid Hamulus elongation syndrome is a unique disease presenting many symptoms in the palatal and pharyngeal areas. May caused by injury, infection, or a pre-existing condition. The diagnosis of hamular elongation should be based on detailed history, clinical examination, and correlation with radiographic imaging. CONCLUSION: Due to the rarity, PHE syndrome should be diagnosed accurately. Management of hamular elongation is either surgical or conservative but resection of the pterygoid hamulus is usually preferred.

Innervation of human soft palate muscles.

Our objective was to determine the branching and distribution of the motor nerves supplying the human soft palate muscles. Six adult specimens of the soft palate in continuity with the pharynx, larynx, and tongue were processed with Sihler's stain, a technique that can render large specimens transparent while counterstaining their nerves. The cranial nerves were identified and dissection followed their branches as they divided into smaller divisions toward their terminations in individual muscles. The results showed that both the glossopharyngeal (IX) and vagus (X) nerves have three distinct branches, superior, middle, and inferior. Only the middle branches of each nerve contributed to the pharyngeal plexus to which the facial nerve also contributed. The pharyngeal plexus was divided into two parts, a superior innervating the palatal and neighboring muscles and an inferior innervating pharyngeal constrictors. The superior branches of the IX and X nerves contributed innervation to the palatoglossus, whereas their middle branches innervated the palatopharyngeus. The palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus muscles appeared to be composed of at least two neuromuscular compartments. The lesser palatine nerve not only supplied the palatal mucosa and palatine glandular tissue but also innervated the musculus uvulae, palatopharyngeus, and levator veli palatine. The latter muscle also received its innervation from the superior branch of X nerve. The findings would be useful for better understanding the neural control of the soft palate and for developing novel neuromodulation therapies to treat certain upper airway disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Palatoplastia primária pela técnica de Von Langenbeck: experiência e resultados morfológicos obtidos em 278 casos operados / Primary palatoplasty using the von Langenbeck technique: surgical experience and aesthetic results of 278 cases

Introdução: A palatoplastia com elevação de retalhos mucoperiostais bipediculados pela técnica de Von Langenbeck associada a veloplastia intravelar é técnica mais utilizadas na atualidade apresentando na literatura baixa taxa de fístula oronasal e de insuficiência velofaríngea. O objetivo é apresentar a experiência acumulada do autor e avaliar a incidência de fístula oronasal após 278 casos de palatoplastia primária, pela técnica de Von Langenbeck associada a veloplastia intravelar. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 278 prontuários de pacientes submetidos à palatoplastia primária no Centro de Tratamento de Malformações Craniofaciais Mário Covas - Hospital Guilherme Álvaro - Santos/SP, entre de maio de 2010 a maio de 2018. Resultados: 278 procedimentos de palatoplastia primária pela técnica relatada, 225 (80,9%) em duas etapas cirúrgicas e 53 (19,1%) em única etapa. Masculino 182 (65,5%) e feminino 96 (34,5%). Fissuras labiopalatais esquerda e bilaterais (26,3% e 27%, respetivamente). As fissuras palatais completas corresponderam a 37,4% e a fissura labiopalatal direita com 7,6%. 61 pacientes apresentaram fístula oronasal (21,94%) observando-se uma diminuição progressiva da incidência em cada período. Conclusão: A palatoplastia primária pela técnica de Von Langenbeck associada à veloplastia intravelar é uma técnica reprodutível em uma ou duas etapas cirúrgicas e pode ser considerada segura quando alcançada uma adequada curva de aprendizado apresentando um índice de complicações acorde com a literatura mundial.

Introduction: Palatoplasty with elevated bilateral mucoperiosteal flaps using the von Langenbeck technique associated with intravelar veloplasty is a common procedure with low rates of oronasal fistula (ONF) and velopharyngeal insufficiency. The objective is to present the author's surgical experience and the incidence of ONF among 278 patients who underwent primary palatoplasty using the von Langenbeck technique associated with intravelar veloplasty. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 278 patients who underwent primary palatoplasty at the Mário Covas Treatment Center for Craniofacial Malformations of the Guilherme Álvaro Hospital located in the municipality of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, between May 2010 and May 2018. Results: A total of 278 primary palatoplasty procedures were performed; of them, 225 (80.9%) were performed in two surgical stages and 53 (19.1%) in one surgical stage. The study population included 182 men (65.5%) and 96 women (34.5%). The prevalence of left and bilateral cleft lip and palate was 26.3% and 27%, respectively, and the prevalence of bilateral cleft palate, and right cleft lip and palate was 37.4% and 7.6%, respectively. Sixty-one patients had ONF (21.94%), the incidence of which decreased progressively throughout the study period. Conclusion: Primary palatoplasty, using the von Langenbeck technique associated with intravelar veloplasty, is reproducible when performed in one or two surgical stages, and considered safe when the learning curve is reached with a complication rate similar to those in the literature.

Palatopharyngeus the missing palatal muscles: Anatomical and physiological review.

The first true anatomical descriptions of the normal anatomy of the palate and pharynx were published by Von Luschka in 1868, and then in 1935 anatomist James Whillis described pharyngeal sphincter. Later, in 1941 Michael Oldfield noted that the muscular elements of the soft palate have a sling-like function. Although there have been conflicting descriptions of the role of the palatopharyngeus, multiple function such as speech, swallowing, and respiration, it could role in all this function. Although, the palatopharyngeus muscle has many important functions, but it remains the missing muscle that we need to know more about it.

A texture analysis method for MR images of airway dilator muscles: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: Airway dilator muscles play an important role in the analysis of breathing-related symptoms, such as obstructive sleep apnoea. Texture analysis (TA) provides a new non-invasive method for analysing airway dilator muscles. In this study, we propose a TA methodology for airway dilator muscles and prove the robustness of this method. METHODS: 15 orthognathic surgery patients underwent 3-T MRI. Computerized TA was performed on 20 regions of interest (ROIs) in the patients' airway dilator muscles. 53 texture parameters were calculated for all ROIs. The robustness of the TA method was analysed by altering the locations, sizes and shapes of the ROIs. RESULTS: Our study shows that there is significant difference in TA results as the size or shape of ROI changes. The change of location of the ROI inside the studied muscle does not affect the TA results. CONCLUSIONS: The TA method is valid for airway dilator muscles. We propose a methodology in which the number of co-occurrence parameters is reduced by using mean values from four different directions (0°, 45°, 90° and 135°) with pixel spacing of 1 pixel.

Pterygoid hamulus bursitis as a cause of craniofacial pain: a case report.

Pain on the soft palate and pharynx can originate in several associated structures. Therefore, diagnosis of patients who complain of discomfort in these areas may be difficult and complicated. Pterygoid hamulus bursitis is a rare disease showing various symptoms in the palatal and pharyngeal regions. As such, it can be one of the reported causes of pain in these areas. Treatment of hamular bursitis is either conservative or surgical. If the etiologic factor of bursitis is osteophytic formation on the hamulus or hypertrophy of the bursa, resection of the hamulus is usually the preferred surgical treatment. We report on a case of bursitis that was managed successfully by surgical treatment and a review of the literature.

Pterygoid hamulus bursitis as a cause of craniofacial pain: a case report

Pain on the soft palate and pharynx can originate in several associated structures. Therefore, diagnosis of patients who complain of discomfort in these areas may be difficult and complicated. Pterygoid hamulus bursitis is a rare disease showing various symptoms in the palatal and pharyngeal regions. As such, it can be one of the reported causes of pain in these areas. Treatment of hamular bursitis is either conservative or surgical. If the etiologic factor of bursitis is osteophytic formation on the hamulus or hypertrophy of the bursa, resection of the hamulus is usually the preferred surgical treatment. We report on a case of bursitis that was managed successfully by surgical treatment and a review of the literature.

Effect of dissection and reconstruction of palatal muscles on histological structure and ultrastructure of soft palate / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of dissection and reconstruction on palatal muscles morphology in cats. Methods: Nine cats were randomly divided into three groups according to the extension of muscle dissection: small area group(<1/3 group),medium area group(1/3-2/3 group)and large-scale area group(>2/3 group).Control group was the normal palatal muscle in any normal side of the palate.Palatal muscles of all experimental groups were dissected from the posterior border of the hard palate and were reconstructed later. The morphology features and ultrastructure of palatal muscles were observed respectively by HE staining and transmission electron microcopy 1-3 month after operation. Results: There were no obvious differences in morphologic features and ultrastructure of palatal muscles between experiment and normal control groups when the range of palatal muscle dissection was less than 2/3. At early stage (1 month) after operation in large-scale area group, the arrangement of muscles fiber were in structural disorder with inflammatory cell infiltration and muscle fibril formation. The Z line was not distinct, muscles fiber became narrow and myocomma arrangement was not fully dense under transmission electron microcopy. At later stage (2 or 3 month after operation) in large-scale area group, the arrangement of muscles fiber were comparatively regular, neonatal muscles fibers became gradually mature and the amount of inflammatory cell had obviously decreased. Ultrastructure study showed that myocomma arrangement was more orderliness, and Z line became more distinct. Conclusion: It suggests that the extensive dissection of palatal muscles carried no fibrosis, and injury musculature could be repaired and regenerated.

Dissecção radical da musculatura do véu palatino em casos secundários de pacientes fissurados / Radical undermining of the soft palate muscles in secondary cleft patients

Objetivo: Demonstrar a eficácia do reposicionamento do músculo elevador do véu palatinoem pacientes portadores de fissura lábio-palatina anteriormente submetidos a palatoplastiapor outras técnicas. Método: Foram realizadas, 16 cirurgias de repalatoplastia posterior comdissecção radical da musculatura do véu palatino. A nasofibroscopia foi o instrumento demensuração da voz no período pré e pós-operatório, 3, 9 e 15 meses após a cirurgia. Duasfonoaudiólogas com experiência no tratamento do fissurado participaram na avaliação davoz nos períodos pré e pós-operatórios, sendo a hipernasalidade classificada em equilíbriooronasal, hipernasalidade leve, moderada e importante. O índice de Kappa foi utilizado paraavaliar o grau de concordância entre os observadores. O teste de igualdade proporcional foiutilizado com o objetivo de comparar as diferenças de voz no pré e pós-operatórios de 3,9 e 15 meses. O valor de p < 0,05 foi adotado para a significância estatística. Resultados:Seis pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 17,93 anos. Houve uma boaconcordância entre as avaliadoras, sendo a menor de 76,6% (índice de Kappa). Com o retroposicionamentoda musculatura houve melhora no índice da hipernasalidade (p < 0,05),principalmente na hipernasalidade leve e moderada. Conclusão: Houve grande melhorado quadro da insuficiência velofaríngea após a dissecção radical, o que evidencia que talprocedimento é necessário e deve ser incluído no algoritmo dos protocolos em casos secundáriose preconiza-se que seja usado, também, em casos primários.

Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy of the muscular set back in secondary cases. Method:16 soft palate re-repair were performed with muscular set back. To evaluate the results of thesurgeries through the voice, nasal endoscopies were done pre and post operative (3, 9 and15 months). The results were evaluated by two speech pathologists specialized in cleft lipand palate patients. And the hypernasality was graded as equilibrium, mild, moderate andsevere. The Kappa index was used to evaluate the agreement between the two observers andthe equality of two proportion test gave the statistics significance, as p < 0.05. Results: Sixpatients were males. The mean age was 17.93 years. There was a good concordance betweenthe two evaluators. The least was 76.6% according to the Kappa index. With the retropositioningof the muscles` bundle there was an improvement in the velopharingeal insufficiency (p< 0.05) mainly in the mild and moderate cases. Conclusion: There was a great improvementin velopharingeal incompetence after radical muscle dissection, showing that this procedureis necessary and must be part of secondary palatoplasty protocols. And also must be usedduring primary soft palate repair.