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| In some patients who have had cleft palate repair, the palate still does not function normally and does not close off the mouth and the nose. This means that the speech sounds nasal, with air escaping through the nose, and also in some cases children compensate by developing bad patterns of articulation. We need to find answers to why surgery sometimes still produces inadequate results. |
The muscles of the soft palate are responsible for the movement which closes off the mouth from the nose during speech and eating. The role of each of these muscles is unclear.
Using a variety of methods including electrical tests, microscopic analysis and MRI scanning, we hope to answer the following questions:
- How do the muscles of the palate differ from each other?
- What are the important muscles for speech?
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One operation - a midline pharyngeal flap joining the palate to the back of  the throat - can be effective but reduces the airway.
We have developed a technique for improving palate function which is effective for many patients but not for all.
We want to refine the indications for this technique by reviewing patients who have had different procedures. |
We have investigated outcomes in patients with submucous cleft palates,  but there are more subtle palate abnormalities which can affect speech. We plan to investigate these further.
- Can we improve speech in these patients?
- How can we decide if surgery will help?
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