Levator Veli Palatini Constriction and Voice Function in Children with Cleft Palate
Robert Fujiki
Principal Investigator
Brief Description
The focus of this study will be determining if levator veli palatini muscle contraction is associated with vocal fold function in children with cleft palate. We seek to determine the relationship between voice and palate function in this population.
Detailed Description
The research study will require up to 2 visits (can be done in 1), and will take up to 60 to 75 minutes. The MRI methods used in the present study are modeled after previously published studies. Pertinent details (date of birth, exact age at scan, sex, race, all medical diagnoses, surgical history, palatoplasty operative note, most recent cleft team report, most recent hearing evaluation, weight, height, head circumference) from the medical chart will be pulled following study participation.
Eligibility of study
Inclusion Criteria:
- Cleft Palate Group:
o Age 4 to 17 years
o Medical diagnosis of cleft palate (either cleft palate only or cleft lip with cleft palate)
o Willingness to participate following informed consent discussion
- Healthy Control Group:
o Healthy children/adolescents age 4 to 17 years
o Willingness to participate following informed consent discussion