Intubazione oro-tracheale e conformazione del palato: analisi mediante scansione laser

Oro-tracheal intubation and palatal shape Aim of the study was to verify the possibile long term effects of oro-tracheal intubation at birth on the scheletal growth of palate (9-13 years after birth), assessing whether the physiological remodelling action of the soft tissues during growth might compensate the iatrogenic damage of the tube. This study was carried out in the Department of Orthodontics and in the Design Tools and Methods for Industrial Engineering Laboratory of the University of Padova. A sample of 30 newborn babies intubated at birth in the Department of Obstetrics and Gybecology of the same University were examinated 9-13 years after birth and compared to a control group of 28 subjects of the same age. Possible palatal volumetric differences were assessed between the two groups. The system used for the meassurements of the palate is based on a scanning laser on 4 axes. 9-13 years after intubation no significant difference in the volume of the palate was observed. The anomalies appearing in the first months of life such as the typical palatal groove would be temporary and self correcting with growth and normal development, when functional muscular equilibrium and physiological tongue movements are re-established.