Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

**Definition:** Failure of the SOFT PALATE to reach the posterior pharyngeal wall to close the opening between the oral and nasal cavities. Incomplete velopharyngeal closure is primarily related to surgeries (ADENOIDECTOMY; CLEFT PALATE) or an incompetent PALATOPHARYNGEAL SPHINCTER. It is characterized by hypernasal speech.

**Tree numbers:** - C07.465.525.955 - C07.550.966 - C07.650.525.955 - C09.775.955 - C16.131.850.525.955

**Synonyms:** - Inadequate Velopharyngeal Closure - Palatopharyngeal Incompetence - Velopharyngeal Incompetence