Evaluating Distance between Vibrating Line and Fovea Palatinae in Class I, Class II and Class III Soft Palate Types

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the mean distance between the vibrating line and fovea palatinae in Class I, Class II and Class III Soft Palate types.

Methodology: This study was conducted at Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences Karachi among 197patients. Duration of study was six months. All patients were examined for vibrating line clinically, assessed using phonation method. Subsequently, distance between vibrating line and fovea paltatinae was measured with uncalibrated compass in various contours of soft palate.

Results: Out of 197 patient, the vibrating line was seen in130 (64%) anterior to fovea palatinae, whereas, 67 (34%) vibrating line was at the fovea palatinae. The mean distance of those anterior located vibrating line from fovea palatine was calculated as 2.13 (±0.82) mm in Class, 2.07 (±0.69) mm in Class II and 1.80 (±0.82) mm in Class III soft palate contours.

Statistical analysis showed no significant between gender, while statistically significant difference among age group and mean distance of anterior located vibrating line from fovea palatinae were found.

Conclusions: The mean distance of vibrating line which is predominately found anterior to the fovea palatinae was 2.07 (±0.77) mm.