Oral motor dysfunction in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy--effects of surgery

Logoped Phoniatr Vocol. 2009;34(3):111-6. doi: 10.1080/14015430903066937.

Abstract

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is associated with a wide range of problems. The enlargement causes obstructive symptoms and affects different functions such as chewing, swallowing, articulation, and voice. The objective of this study was to assess oral motor function in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy using Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) before and 6 months after surgery consisting of adenoidectomy combined with total or partial tonsil removal. A total of 67 children were assigned to either tonsillectomy (n=33) or partial tonsillectomy, 'tonsillotomy' (n=34); 76 controls were assessed with NOT-S and divided into a younger and older age group to match pre- and post-operated children. Most children in the study groups had oral motor problems prior to surgery including snoring, open mouth position, drooling, masticatory, and swallowing problems. Post-surgery oral motor function was equal to controls. Improvement was independent of surgery method.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoidectomy*
  • Adenoids / pathology
  • Adenoids / surgery*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Mouth Diseases / diagnosis
  • Mouth Diseases / etiology*
  • Mouth Diseases / physiopathology
  • Palatine Tonsil / pathology
  • Palatine Tonsil / surgery*
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / complications
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / pathology
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / surgery*
  • Physical Examination
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Recovery of Function
  • Sweden
  • Time Factors
  • Tonsillectomy*
  • Treatment Outcome