Dynamic analysis of articulatory movement using magnetic resonance imaging movies: Methods and implications in cleft lip and palate

Objectives: To visualize articulatory movement using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) movie of a subject with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and to demonstrate the usefulness of this method for studying oropharyngeal function. Material and Methods: Dynamic changes in oropharyngeal structures were assessed with an MRI movie of a man with cleft lip and palate and in a normal adult male volunteer during the articulation of /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/. Results and Conclusions: Different movement patterns were observed during articulation in the subject with CLP compared with the normal volunteer. Posterosuperior movement of the tongue and the anterior movement of the posterior pharyngeal wall were clearly visualized in the subject with CLP. Thus, MRI movies appear to be a promising tool for evaluating speech function in patients with CLP because of their noninvasive and nonradiation nature.