Objective To investigate the relationship between velopharyngeal functions and factors such as age at operation , cleft type, performing procedure.Methods FFT technique and velopharyngeal X-ray examination were used to evaluate the velopharyngeal functions of 82 patients. The relatively important factors affecting velopharyngeal functions were searched out through regression analyse and pearson correlation. Results A significant positive correlation was confirmed between AAO(age at operation) and A1/A2(velopharyngeal incompetence), Plt;0.001. AAO also showed linear regression with A1/A2. Model was significant, Plt;0.001. Quotation: A1/A2(velopharyngeal incompetence)=0.005 852×AAO+0.961. Conclusion AAOwas an important affecting factor on velopharyngeal functions. The earlier the cleft is repaired, the more normal velopharyngeal functions will be obtained.
