Measurement of infant tongue thickness using ultrasound: a technical note

J Clin Ultrasound. 2012 Jul-Aug;40(6):364-7. doi: 10.1002/jcu.21933. Epub 2012 May 7.

Abstract

Novel uses of ultrasound include obtaining images of intra-oral structures to further research in speech production and feeding. In this technical note we describe a noninvasive, cost-effective, and reliable method for measuring infant tongue muscle thickness. The current pilot study demonstrates high reliability of a trained ultrasonographer to obtain adequate images of the infant tongue and the ability to measure reliably between two anatomic landmarks to determine tongue thickness and investigate a potential relationship between tongue size and tongue force.

MeSH terms

  • Body Mass Index
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Tongue / anatomy & histology*
  • Tongue / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography