Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 125-133
A Cross-Sectional Study on Articulatory Working Space Area in Mandibulectomy or Maxillectomy
Mereen Rose Babu1, B. S. Premalatha2, Rajshekhar Halkud3
1PhD Research Scholar, 2Professor, Department of Speech Language Studies, Dr. S. R. Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore,
3Professor and Head of the Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore,
Corresponding Author: B. S. Premalatha
ABSTRACT
Introduction: There has always been a challenge in providing a clear understanding of the critical features of the articulatory movements involved in speech production of individuals who undergo mandibulectomy or maxillectomy. Identifying the articulatory working space area can help the surgeons and the speech pathologists aware of what extend the speech of the patients get affected after surgery. Hence, the present study was aimed at identifying the articulatory working space area in mandibulectomy or maxillectomy.
Methods: Sustained production of vowel /a/, /i/, and /u/ by participants with a digital sound recorder (Sony ICD-PX240 MP3 Digital) kept at a distance of 15cm. Analysis carried out using Praat software (Praat, Version 6.0.21).
Results & Analysis: The formant values obtained for the pre and post-operative groups were statistically analysed using SPSS paired t-test for comparison of pre and post-operative groups, and Independent sample t-test for comparison of control group vs pre/post-operative group. The result revealed a reduced F2 value for the high vowel /i/, reflecting that the anterior movement of the tongue can be restricted due to mandibulectomy. Increased F1 was obtained for the low back vowel /a/ in individuals who underwent maxillectomy, and mandibulectomy indicated reduced mouth opening and reduced elevation of tongue in both clinical groups.
Discussion: Overall, the articulatory working space area was reduced significantly in individuals who underwent mandibulectomy compared to maxillectomy. Thus, when deciding on the prosthesis or reconstructive surgery, efforts should focus on maintaining the coordination and integrity of the tongue and mandible.
Key words: Mandibulectomy, Maxillectomy, Formants, Vowel Space Area, articulatory working space area, speech