Quantitative three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of partially resected tongues

Abstract

Objective: We sought to assess the impact of partial lateral glossectomies on tongue function and speech.

Study design and setting: Tongue shapes of 12 patients with lateral tumors of the tongue were recorded with three-dimensional ultrasound before their surgery and two months after. Twelve normal participants served as controls. Speech acceptability was also assessed.

Results: Principal component analyses demonstrated that the flap reconstructions led to a stiffening of the operated side of the tongue. A concavity index and an asymmetry index demonstrated that the glossectomy patients exhibited decreased midsagittal grooving and increased lingual asymmetry. The change in midsagittal grooving correlated moderately with the decrease in speech acceptability.

Conclusion: A lateral partial glossectomy affects the tongue's intrinsic deformation, in particular midsagittal grooving and symmetry. This can have a detrimental effect for speech.

Significance: A lateral resection affects the tongue's symmetry and midsagittal groove. The change in midsagittal grooving correlates with a decrease in speech acceptability.