Objective: To evaluate speech outcomes in patients of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula composite flap.
Methods: Speech measurements of 20 patients of maxillary reconstruction with free fibula composite flap were collected. Palatopharyngeal valve, the symmetry and movement of soft palate, hypernasality and nasal emission were examined by nasoendoscopy. At the same time the speech intelligibility was measured.
Results: No palatopharyngeal valve insufficiency was found and all the soft palates had good symmetry and movement. The average speech intelligibility was 98.4%.
Conclusions: Free fibula composite flap can reconstruct the phonatory structure and support the function of soft palate, which can restorate speech function well. It is a good choice for maxillary reconstruction.