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Laryngeal fracture is rare but fatal traumatic injury which is mainly caused by severe blunt trauma from interpersonal violence, motor vehicle accident or sports injuries. Laryngeal fracture can lead to severe airway collapse and death. Mortality decreases to less than 5% once the airways made patent and laryngeal injuries are corrected. People must take motorcycle riding safety course to learn how to ride safely. Always follow traffic rules. The motor vehicle accident can be prevented largely through public awareness and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of arytenoid cartilage reposition with a suspension laryngoscope under general anesthesia in the treatment of cricoarytenoid joint dislocation. Methods Ten patients with cricoarytenoid joint dislocation who were admitted to our department from December 2012 to December 2020 were enrolled and underwent arytenoid cartilage reposition with a suspension laryngoscope under general anesthesia, and the patients were analyzed in terms of etiology, surgical timing, and treatment outcome. Results Among the ten patients, eight achieved successful reposition in a single attempt, one improved after two attempts, and one showed no response. Conclusion Arytenoid cartilage reposition with a suspension laryngoscope is an effective method for the treatment of cricoarytenoid joint dislocation, and the earlier the treatment, the better the treatment outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of patients with laryngeal contact granuloma whose symptoms subside after the injection of botulinum toxin as monotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrolective study was done with the records of Clínica de la Voz México from May 2012 to May 2018. Patients with laryngeal contact granuloma treated with botulinum toxin type A as monotherapy were included. RESULTS: Nine participants diagnosed with contact laryngeal granuloma and treated with botulinum toxin type A with a mean age of 47 ± 9.0 years were recruited, predominantly male (n = 7). A percutaneous approach assisted with electromyography was used, administering a toxin dose ranging from 2-6 units per vocal fold. After treatment, 6/9 participants reported having a weak voice of mild intensity, while 3/9 described it as moderate. The average recovery time was 19.5 ± 5.5 days. Complete relieve of symptoms was achieved in all participants, with a median of 5 weeks and with an interquartile range (IQR) of 3 to 6.5. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the complete relieve of symptoms after the injection of botulinum toxin type A to the vocal folds, the mild side effects reported, as well as the fewer number of injections compared to other medications, botulinum toxin type A as monotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for laryngeal contact granuloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To study the effectiveness of modified subtotal laryngectomy with the formation of a tracheopharyngeal shunt in patients with locally advanced cancer of the larynx and laryngopharynx.Materials and methods. We conducted a cohort study on the use of combined treatment (surgical and radiation/ polychemotherapy) in 25 patients: 24 men, 1 woman; median age – 56 years. The subtotal laryngectomy technique that we developed and used included the preservation of one arytenoid cartilage, the posterior third of the vocal fold, and the recurrent nerve on the side not affected by the tumor. We studied postoperative complications, the length and diameter of the tracheopharyngeal shunt, the functioning of the arytenoid cartilage, the frequency of voice recovery and its quality, and overall and relapse-free survival.Results. In the postoperative period, 8 (32%) patients developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula; tracheal stenosis after tracheostomy was observed in 8 (32%) cases. The length of the tracheopharyngeal shunt varied from 16.4 to 25.6 mm, in all cases its course was tortuous, the diameter of the preserved part of the vocal fold varied from 1.1 to 1.5 mm. 24 (96%) patients demonstrated the functioning of the arytenoid cartilage and its work as a valve. Voice function recovered in 24 (96%) patients. Fundamental frequency was 155.3 ± 20.9 Hz, maximum phonation time of the vowel “A” – 3.5 ± 1.0 s, duration of pauses in phrase – 0.24 ± 0.03 s, speech rate – 99.8 ± 8.4 words/ min, number of words in phrase 6.5 ± 0.3. The average value of the Acoustic Voice Quality Index was 6.74, which indicates dysphonia (for the Russian language, the threshold value for dysphonia is 4.86), but this did not interfere with patients’ communication at home and on the phone. Overall and relapse-free survival at 1, 2, and 3 years were 100%, 89%, 78% and 86%, 78%, 72%, respectively.Conclusion. The method of operation proposed by us contributes to the restoration of voice function in the majority of patients with oncological outcomes comparable to total laryngectomy.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between arytenoid adduction asymmetry (AAA) and the demographic and morphological characteristics of true vocal fold (TVF) polyps and establish the cause and effect relationship between AAA and TVF polyps. Methods: Videolaryngostroboscopic findings of 163 patients with TVF polyps were retrospectively reviewed and categorized into Group 1 with AAA or Group 2 without AAA. Demographic details, clinicomorphological polyp characteristics, supraglottic phenomena, and AAA attributes were analyzed. Results: Group 1 was younger than Group 2 (fourth vs fifth decade; P =.0066). Polyp characteristics showed no significant intergroup differences. The association between AAA and false vocal fold (FVF) adduction (65.28% vs 47.62% in Group 1 and 2 respectively; P =.0441) was significant. In relation to TVF polyp laterality, contralateral and bilateral AAA and FVF adduction respectively, was significant. Conclusion: AAA is a compensatory laryngeal adaptation akin to a FVF adduction muscle tension pattern. With a concomitant laryngeal pathology and high vocal demand, AAA is a consequence and not the cause for underlying laryngeal pathology which hinders glottic closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the outcome of 18 patients with a tracheostomy secondary to bilateral vocal fold immobility, who were managed using reconstructive transoral laser microsurgical techniques. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the surgical outcome of 18 patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility and a tracheostomy resulting from different aetiologies. Follow-up duration ranged from one to five years. Results: A total of 18 patients had a tracheostomy at presentation because of bilateral true vocal fold immobility and stridor. All cases were treated using reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery with arytenoidectomy and vocal fold lateralisation. All patients were successfully decannulated by eight weeks after surgery. Conclusion: Reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery using partial arytenoidectomy with vocal fold lateralisation is minimally invasive, feasible, safe and effective for airway reconstruction in patients who present with stridor due to bilateral true vocal fold immobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesisArytenoid adduction (AA) is performed to treat unilateral vocal fold paralysis with a large posterior glottal gap. However, the voice effects of AA suture position remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate voice production and quality as a function of AA suture position on the thyroid ala in a neuromuscularly intact in vivo larynx.Study designAnimal model.MethodsUnilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve and vagal paralysis were modeled in two canines. AA suture position was varied across five equidistant positions on the anterior inferior thyroid ala, from a paramedian position anteriorly to the oblique line posteriorly. Phonation was performed over 8 × 8 graded level combinations of recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve stimulation per suture position. The primary outcome was percent successful phonatory conditions. Secondary outcomes included fundamental frequency (F0), phonation onset pressure (PTP), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and laryngeal posture.ResultsAnterior suture positions resulted in a greater percentage of successful phonatory conditions compared to posterior sutures. Suture position 2, located at the anterior inferior thyroid ala, resulted in the highest percentage of successful phonatory conditions, lowest PTP, and lower muscle activation levels to achieve higher CPP. Posterior sutures resulted in wider glottal gap and more effective F0 and vocal fold strain increase with cricothyroid muscle contraction, but with fewer successful phonatory conditions and higher PTP. Trends were consistent across both paralysis types.ConclusionsAA suture placed in the anterior inferior thyroid ala resulted in the best acoustic, aerodynamic, and voice quality outcomes. This study provides scientific evidence for maintaining current clinical practice.Level of evidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:846-852, 2021.

Laryngeal carcinomas cause vocal cord (VC) mobility problems. Other than evaluation through flexible laryngoscopy, rare reports concerning CT findings for the motion of the VC or arytenoid cartilage (AC) are found. To explore a novel evaluation of the mobility of the AC in glottic carcinoma. In 39 patients with glottic carcinoma grouped upon lesion locations and AC mobilities, laryngeal CT scans were collected during inspiration and phonation. AC static position and motion data were compared between paired lesion and control sides. No significant difference showed in the group with glottic carcinoma invading the anterior 2/3 of VC. In the abnormal mobility group, significant AC position changes and weaker motion of most measurements were proved on the lesion side. Lesion invading the posterior 1/3 of VC also resulted in an adducted, medially rotated and forward-tilted AC, rotation of axial angle (RAA) was the only motion item that decreased significantly. In most glottic cancer cases, CT and laryngoscope had similar judgments for AC mobility. For lesions extending to the cartilaginous VC with laryngoscopically confirmed normal mobility, CT measurement of RAA showed the feasibility of being an indicator for the earliest motion problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of anti-reflux therapy on the idiopathic vocal process granulomas. Method: This was a prospective case series study. The patients with vocal process granulomas who met the inclusion criteria were analysed. Proton pump inhibitors and vocal hygiene education were conducted for 8–20 weeks. Results: Of the 16 patients with vocal process granulomas, 5 (31.25 per cent) patients achieved complete remission. The complete remission rate of granulomas was not significantly related to age (p = 1.000), sex (p = 0.296), side (p = 0.299), position (p = 0.100), endoscopic morphology (p = 0.263) or proton pump inhibitor treatment course (p = 0.543) but was significantly associated with granuloma location (p = 0.001) and granuloma size (p = 0.012). Conclusion: Granulomas in the vocal cord and the margin of the vocal process had an excellent response to proton pump inhibitors, but granulomas on the surface of vocal process and arytenoid cartilage body had little response to proton pump inhibitors. The prolonged period of proton pump inhibitor treatment did not increase the complete remission rate of vocal process granulomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To differentiate arytenoid subluxation and vocal fold paralysis by CT cine mode scanning combined with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction image. Seventy-six patients with suspected vocal fold dyskinesia were collected. All patients were examined being asked to inhale deeply and then make "Yi" sound continuously during CT scanning with cine mode. The optimal maximum opening and minimum closing phases of glottis were selected and 3D reconstruction images were performed. The length of vocal fold, the width of glottis, and the subglottal convergence angle, anteversion angle, elevation angle, valgus angle, and varus angle of cricoarytenoid joints were measured. Vocal fold deformation was divided into three types: type I, type II, and type III. Kappa test was used to compare the consistency between CT diagnosis and clinical diagnosis. Single-factor analysis of variance was used to analyze the statistical differences among arytenoid subluxation, vocal fold paralysis, and normal vocal fold. There was high consistency between CT diagnosis and clinical diagnosis (k = 0.731, P < 0.05), as well as significant differences in the opening width of glottis between type I and type III, the valgus and varus angles of cricoarytenoid joints between type I and type II or type III, and the subglottal convergence angles among the three types of vocal fold deformation. CT scanning with cine mode combined with 3D reconstruction can display the changes of larynx structures in vocal fold dyskinesia, and can be used for the differential diagnosis of arytenoid cartilage subluxation and vocal fold paralysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) presents as incomplete glottal closure and leads to breathy hoarseness. Various treatments, including laryngeal framework surgery (type 1 thyroplasty [TP1] and arytenoid adduction [AA]), have been devised to correct this condition. Ultrahigh-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT) allows detailed three-dimensional imaging of the larynx, which aids our understanding of vocal fold motion disorders. This study assessed whether U-HRCT is beneficial for correct diagnosis and surgical planning., Methods: The participants were 26 UVFP patients who underwent laryngeal framework surgery (TP1 and/or AA). U-HRCT was used to measure the vocal fold volume (VFV) and level difference (LD). The need to combine AA with TP1 to obtain satisfactory surgical outcomes was evaluated by U-HRCT and various voice function tests., Results: VFV was smaller in paralyzed folds than in unaffected folds. LD correlated strongly with voice parameters and showed high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The surgical outcome of the laryngeal framework surgery performed was judged to be excellent for improving voice function. Comparison of LD between the TP1 group and TP1 + AA group indicated that LD is an excellent parameter to determine the need to combine AA with TP1., Conclusion: These findings underscore the value of preoperative U-HRCT, especially LD, in surgical decision-making and afford insights for optimal phonosurgery and individualized intervention. Patients with LD >1.0 mm may benefit from thyroplasty with AA., Level of Evidence: 3 (case-control study) Laryngoscope, 134:4667-4673, 2024., (© 2024 The Author(s). The Laryngoscope published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objective: This study aimed to assess the incidence and severity of arytenoid adduction asymmetry in normophonic speakers and to identify related demographic characteristics. Method: A retrospective observational clinical study on normophonic patients was conducted. Videos of flexible laryngoscopy of the study group (aged 18 to 45 years) were reviewed. Arytenoid adduction asymmetry, if present, was graded as mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2) and severe (grade 3). Results: Video recordings of 347 normophonic patients were analysed. The total prevalence of arytenoid adduction asymmetry was 36.4 per cent, with a predominance in males and on the right side. Right-sided predominance was statistically significant (p < 0.01). A total of 60.3 per cent of patients with arytenoid adduction asymmetry had only mild asymmetry, whereas 34.9 per cent had moderate asymmetry. Only 4.8 per cent showed severe asymmetry. Conclusion: Arytenoid adduction asymmetry is found in more than one third of the normophonic population, has significant right-sided preponderance and was more common in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration in elderly patients who underwent supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy for laryngeal cancer. Method: A retrospective analysis of dynamic videofluoroscopic swallowing studies was performed in patients who had received supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy as a treatment for laryngeal cancers. Digital analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies included measurements of displacement and timing related to swallowing safety. Results: Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies from 52 patients were analysed. All participants were male and over 65 years old. Studies were performed five years after surgery. Among 52 videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, analysis showed that elevated pharyngeal constriction ratio (pharyngeal constriction ratio more than 0.0875, odds ratio = 5.2, p = 0.016), reduced pharyngoesophageal sphincter opening time (pharyngoesophageal sphincter open less than 0.6 seconds, odds ratio = 11.6, p = 0.00018) and reduced airway closure time (airway close less than 0.6 seconds, odds ratio = 10.6, p = 0.00057) were significantly associated with aspiration. Conclusion: Deteriorated pharyngeal constriction, shortened airway closure and reduced pharyngoesophageal sphincter opening time are key factors for predicting laryngeal penetration or aspiration after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives - to improve the effectiveness of treatment of patients with bilateral laryngeal paralysis by developing a treatment algorithm, justifying the surgical methods and the criteria for the effectiveness evaluation. Material and methods. 52 patients (including 49 women and 3 men) with bilateral larynx paralysis were examined and operated in 2017-2019. The age of the patients ranged from 27 to 71 years. 20 patients underwent the laryngoplasty, including the right-side myoaritenoidchordectomy with laterofixing of the opposite vocal fold with external access. 32 patients received the laryngoplasty with microsurgical technique under the direct support laryngoscopy. Results. The differentiated approach to the surgical treatment of patients with bilateral larynx paralysis allowed to decannulate 97% of patients in early postoperative period with restoration of the respiratory function and preservation of the voice function. In 2 patients it was impossible to form a physiological glottic chink due to a rough scar-dystrophic process in the surgery area. Conclusion. The preliminary use of tracheostomy tube is a factor that impairs the effectiveness of reconstructive surgical interventions in patients with bilateral laryngeal paralysis, if compared to patients with single-step tracheostomy and laryngoplasty. The long course of the bilateral laryngeal paralysis (more than 1 year) leads to persistent and irreversible pathological changes in the arytenoid cartilage and vocal folds. Minimally invasive techniques for the bilateral laryngeal paralysis treatment under the direct support laryngoscopy are the "gold standard" of global laryngology, if the indications for surgery are strictly observed. In all other cases, the patients are subject to a one-step reconstructive surgery with an open approach to the paralyzed voice fold.

Arytenoid cartilage dislocation is one of the most common mechanical causes of vocal fold immobility. The most common etiologies are intubation and external trauma, but its incidence is lower than 0.1%. Its symptoms include dysphonia, vocal fatigue, loss of vocal control, breathiness, odynophagia, dysphagia, dyspnea, and cough. Although there are some reports of arytenoid cartilage dislocation in adults, there are only few reports on its occurrence in children. It is particularly difficult to detect the symptoms of arytenoid cartilage dislocation in uncooperative pediatric patients with brain lesions without verbal output or voluntary expression. We report a case of arytenoid cartilage dislocation with incidental findings in a videofluoroscopic swallowing study performed to evaluate the swallowing function.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to better understand the effects of stitch placement on arytenoid medialization by measuring normative cricoarytenoid joint anatomy and changes in arytenoid position when varying arytenopexy stitch configuration. Methods: This adult human larynx study was done in two parts. First, measurements of the cricoid and arytenoid cartilage anatomy relevant to cricoarytenoid joint function were made in 45 preserved larynges (26 male (M), 19 female (F)) using digital calipers. Second, the arytenoids of six fresh larynges (three M, three F) were sutured to the cricoid using various arytenopexy‐stitch placements ranging from inferior‐lateral to superior‐medial, and the resulting arytenoid positions were compared by measuring medial displacement of the arytenoid body and change in glottal configuration from macro still images using Image J. Paired t‐tests were used to compare the results. Results: Cartilage and joint facet dimensions showed differences between males (M) and females (F). Cricoid facet lengths averaged 9.3 mm (M) and 7.1 mm (F), and widths averaged 4.9 mm (M) and 4.0 mm (F). The arytenoid facet widths averaged 10.5 mm (M) and 9.7 mm (F). Average distances between cricoid facets were 11.8 mm for both males and females. Securing the arytenoid superior‐medially on the cricoid facet produced more medialization (2.2 mm vs 1.0 mm, P <.001) and better glottic aperture configuration (9.5° vs 2.7°, P <.001) than securing the arytenoid inferior‐laterally on the facet. Conclusions: Anatomic consistency in cricoarytenoid anatomy provides reliable surgical landmarks for ideal placement of an arytenopexy suture to optimally reposition the arytenoid cartilage. Optimal arytenoid medialization can be accurately reproduced with an arytenopexy‐suture that is placed superior‐medially on the cricoid facet. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 131:2540–2544, 2021 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMedialization laryngoplasty is commonly used to treat glottic insufficiency. In this study, we investigated the effects of implant stiffness (Young modulus), medialization depth, and implant medial surface shape on acoustic outcomes.Study designBasic science study using ex vivo laryngeal phonation model.MethodsIn an ex vivo human larynx phonation model, bilateral medialization laryngoplasties were performed with implants of varying stiffness, medial surface shape (rectangular, divergent, and convergent), and varying depths of medialization. The subglottal pressure, the flow rate, and the outside sound were measured as the implant parameters were varied.ResultsMedialization through the use of implants generally improved the harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) and the number of harmonics excited in the outside sound spectra. The degree of acoustic improvement depended on the implant insertion depth, stiffness, and to a lesser degree implant shape. Varying implant insertion depth led to large variations in phonation for stiff implants, but had much smaller effects for soft implants.ConclusionsImplants with stiffness comparable to vocal folds provided more consistent improvement in acoustic outcomes across different implant conditions. Further investigations are required to better understand the underlying mechanisms.

Objectives/hypothesisMedialization thyroplasty (MT) is commonly used to treat glottic insufficiency. In this study, we investigated the phonatory effects of MT implant medialization depth and medial surface shape.MethodsRecurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and vagal paralysis were simulated in an in vivo canine. A type 1 MT was performed using a silicone elastomer implant with variable medialization depths and medial surface shapes: rectangular, V-shaped, divergent, and convergent. The effects on phonation onset flow/pressure relationships and acoustics were measured.ResultsIncreasing depth of medialization led to improvements in fundamental frequency (F0) range and normalization of the slope of pressure/flow relationship toward baseline activation conditions. The effects of implant medial shape also depended on depth of medialization. Outcome measures were similar among the implants at smaller medialization depths. With large medialization depths and vagal paralysis conditions, the divergent implant maintained pressure/flow relationship closer to baseline. The vagal paralysis conditions also demonstrated decreased fundamental frequency range and worse flow/pressure relationship compared to RLN paralysis.ConclusionsThe depth and medial shape of a medialization laryngoplasty (ML) implant significantly affect both the F0 range and aerodynamic power required for phonation. These effects become more notable with increasing depth of medialization. The study also illustrates that ML is less effective in vagal paralysis compared to RLN paralysis.Level of evidenceN/A.

Although it is known vocal fold adduction is achieved through laryngeal muscle activation, it is still unclear how interaction between individual laryngeal muscle activations affects vocal fold adduction and vocal fold stiffness, both of which are important factors determining vocal fold vibration and the resulting voice quality. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model was developed to investigate vocal fold adduction and changes in vocal fold eigenfrequencies due to the interaction between the lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA) and thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles. The results showed that LCA contraction led to a medial and downward rocking motion of the arytenoid cartilage in the coronal plane about the long axis of the cricoid cartilage facet, which adducted the posterior portion of the glottis but had little influence on vocal fold eigenfrequencies. In contrast, TA activation caused a medial rotation of the vocal folds toward the glottal midline, resulting in adduction of the anterior portion of the glottis and significant increase in vocal fold eigenfrequencies. This vocal fold-stiffening effect of TA activation also reduced the posterior adductory effect of LCA activation. The implications of the results for phonation control are discussed.

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish arytenoid asymmetry as a pre-operative predictive parameter for arytenoid adduction surgery in unilateral vocal fold paralysis and thereafter identify the most predictive parameter for arytenoid adduction among the established parameters. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was undertaken. The 'arytenoid asymmetry angle' formed between skewed 'glottic' and 'interarytenoid' axes (traced along the plane of closure of the membranous and cartilaginous glottis, respectively) was quantified in pre-operative laryngoscopic images of 85 adults with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent either type 1 thyroplasty (group 1) or type 1 thyroplasty with arytenoid adduction (group 2). The need for arytenoid adduction was determined intra-operatively based on subjective voice improvement and laryngoscopic results. Results: Arytenoid asymmetry (p < 0.0001), posterior phonatory gap (p = 0.001) and vertical level difference (p = 0.004) were significantly greater in group 2 (descending order of parameters). Arytenoid asymmetry angle showed a significant positive correlation with the latter two parameters. Conclusion: Arytenoid asymmetry is the most predictive parameter for arytenoid adduction. An arytenoid asymmetry angle of more than or equal to 33.9⁰ is an indication for arytenoid adduction. This aids in pre-operative planning of arytenoid adduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Laryngotracheal trauma is a rare life-threatening emergency that requires early identification and immediate intervention. Here, we present 26 patients with laryngotracheal trauma from a tertiary hospital in India. The aim was to describe the clinical presentation and management of laryngotracheal trauma patients. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of laryngotracheal trauma patients treated between January 2011 and March 2016. Patients who presented with a breach in the laryngotracheal framework were included, while those who had penetrating neck injuries superficial to strap muscles/platysma, burn injuries, caustic ingestion, or endotracheal injuries were excluded from the study. Results: Of 253 patients with neck injury, 26 (23 adults, three children; 21 males, five females; age range, 5-60 years) presented with a breach in the laryngotracheal framework (15 blunt neck-trauma patients and 11 penetrating neck-trauma patients). The most common cause of neck injury was road traffic accidents, seen in 12 patients (46.2%). Computed tomography (CT) was performed in all blunt trauma cases and in four patients with penetrating trauma. All penetrating trauma patients underwent neck exploration. Twelve blunt trauma patients (46.1%) were managed conservatively, while three (11.5%) required surgical intervention. The most common neck exploration finding noted in patients with a penetrating injury was fracture of the thyroid cartilage, which was seen in eight patients (30.8%). Twenty patients (76.9%) had a normal voice, five patients (19.2%) had a hoarse voice, and one patient (3.8%) had a breathy voice post treatment. Conclusion: Early intervention of laryngotracheal trauma is crucial. The role of a CT scan is essential in decision making in blunt trauma cases.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of dynamic computed tomography in recording and describing the spatial motion characteristics of the arytenoid cartilage.Methods: Dynamic computed tomography recorded the real-time motion trajectory of the arytenoid cartilage during inspiration and phonation. A stationary coordinate system was established with the cricoid cartilage as a reference and a motion coordinate system was established using the movement of the arytenoid cartilage. The Euler angles of the arytenoid cartilage movement were calculated by transformation of the two coordinate systems, and the spatial motion characteristics of the arytenoid cartilage were quantitatively studied.Results: Displacement of the cricoid cartilage was primarily inferior during inspiration. During phonation, the displacement was mainly superior. When the glottis closed, the superior displacement was about 5-8 mm within 0.56 s. During inspiration, the arytenoid cartilage was displaced superiorly approximately 1-2 mm each 0.56 s. The rotation angle was subtle with slight rotation around the XYZ axis, with a range of 5-10 degrees. During phonation, the displacement of the arytenoid cartilage was mainly inferior (about 4-6 mm), anterior (about 2-4 mm) and medial (about 1-2 mm). The motion of the arytenoid cartilage mainly consisted of medial rolling, and there was an alternating movement of anterior-posterior tilting. The arytenoid cartilage rolled medially (about 20-40 degrees within 0.56 s), accompanied by anterior-posterior tilting (about 15-20 degrees within 0.56 s).Conclusion: Dynamic computed tomography recordings of arytenoid cartilage movement can be combined with Euler transformations as a tool to study the spatial characteristics of laryngeal structures during phonation.Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E646-E653, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether patients would have equivalent or improved outcomes when receiving non-surgical management versus surgical removal for vocal process granulomas. Methods: A chart review was performed for 53 adults with vocal process granulomas. All patients received baseline anti-reflux treatment consisting of twice-daily proton pump inhibitors and vocal hygiene education. Further treatment approaches were divided into non-surgical (i.e. inhaled corticosteroids, voice therapy, botulinum toxin injections) and surgical groups. Subjective parameters (Voice Handicap Index 10 and Reflux Symptom Index) and outcomes were tabulated and statistically compared. Cause of granuloma was also analysed to determine if this influenced outcomes. Results: Of 53 patients, 47 (89 per cent) experienced reduction in granuloma size, while 37 (70 per cent) experienced complete resolution. The rate of complete granuloma resolution after initial treatment strategy alone was significantly higher in non-surgical compared to surgical patients (67 and 30 per cent, respectively; p = 0.039). No difference in outcome was seen between iatrogenic and idiopathic granulomas. Conclusion: Non-surgical patients were more likely to experience initial treatment success than those who underwent surgical removal. Continued emphasis should be placed on conservative treatment options prior to surgery for patients with this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medialization thyroplasty (MT) has become a prominent method for treating glottal insufficiency. This study aimed to visualize the biomechanical influence of a medialization implant on arytenoid cartilage, particularly on the length and level of paralyzation in the vocal fold, in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Prospective study. We recruited 15 patients (10 men, 5 women) with unilateral vocal fold paralysis that underwent MT with a Montgomery® thyroplasty implant. We performed high-resolution computed tomography of the arytenoid cartilage before and after MT and analyzed the three-dimensional images. To visualize the movement of the arytenoid and to measure the lengthening of the vocal fold, we superimposed pre- and postoperative 3D images with MIMICS software. On the affected side, the implant pushed the arytenoid backwards. In addition, the vocal process of the arytenoid was inwardly rotated. These movements resulted in an elongated, augmented vocal fold on the affected side. MT led to an elongated, medialized vocal fold on the treated side. After the intervention, the vocal folds on both sides were the same length in the phonatory position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of arytenoid cartilage collapse (ACC) during deep inhalation in awake patients with intermediate/high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)., Study Design: Retrospective case-control study., Methods: The medical records and video recordings of awake flexible endoscopic examination of patients with history of OSA who presented to the sleep apnea clinic in a tertiary referral medical center between June 2022 and December 2022, were reviewed. All patients had filled the STOP-BANG questionnaire and had intermediate/high risk of having OSA. A group of patients matched by age and gender and with no history of OSA were used as controls., Results: A total of 95 patients, 64 with a history of OSA and 31 with no history of OSA, were included. Among the study group, 37.5% (n = 24) had a STOP-BANG score between 3 and 4 and were considered to be at an intermediate risk of OSA while the remaining had a score more than 5 and were considered to be at high risk of OSA. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of ACC between the study group and controls (32.8% vs 12.9%, respectively, P < 0.001)., Conclusion: The prevalence of ACC was significantly higher in patients with intermediate/high risk of OSA in comparison to healthy controls with no history of OSA. When present, ACC should raise the physician's suspicion for OSA and probably prompt further investigation such as a sleep study., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Endoscopic partial arytenoidectomy (EPA) is one of the static operations for treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). Improvement in airway may cause voice loss and aspiration. The author reports his experience on EPA using medially based mucosal flap to enlarge posterior glottis without removing any part of membranous vocal fold. Sixty-four consecutive patients with BVFP underwent EPA. Pre- and postoperative evaluations included Voice Handicap Index-30, aerodynamic and acoustic analysis, flow volume loops, perceptual evaluation of pre- and postoperative voice using grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain (GRBAS) scale, speech intensity, breathing ability evaluation, and functional outcome swallowing scale. Nine patients had preoperative tracheotomy and one patient required postoperative tracheotomy. All tracheotomized patients were decannulated 1 month after surgery. Fifty-six patients (88%) did not report dyspnea in their daily activities and were considered satisfied with their postoperative airway; eight patients required revision: seven total arytenoidectomy and one posterior cricoid split with costal cartilage grafting. All Voice Handicap Index-30 results and all acoustic results (except fundamental frequency) increased significantly after surgery (P < 0.05). All aerodynamic analysis results (except mean airflow rate) decreased significantly after EPA (P < 0.05). Mean airflow rate increased significantly after EPA (P < 0.05). All flow volume loop parameters increased significantly after EPA (P < 0.05). Perceptual comparison of pre- and postoperative voice revealed similar grade and roughness (P > 0.05); however, increased breathiness (P < 0.05) was observed. Mean speech intensity decreased from 67 dB to 61 dB (P < 0.05). Postoperative breathing ability was significantly better. Pre- and postoperative functional outcome swallowing scales were not significantly different (P > 0.05). EPA is a very successful static surgical option for BVFP. It results in comfortable airway with mild voice handicap. Postoperatively, it does not increase aspiration significantly. Endoscopic total arytenoidectomy is reserved for revision of failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arytenoid cartilage dislocation is not a common complication, but its delayed diagnosis reduces the therapeutic effect of treatment. A male patient underwent reversed total shoulder replacement surgery in the beach chair position under general anesthesia. The patient experienced postoperative hoarseness, and it was revealed that he had right arytenoid dislocation. Voice restoration was accomplished with closed reduction. We discussed changes in patient position during the operation and how they may contribute to the arytenoid dislocation. Flexion and a slight rotation of the neck during the operation can lead to an increase in intracuff pressure of the endotracheal tube. It is necessary to check neck position and monitor intracuff pressure in patients undergoing operations in the beach chair position. Also, the anesthesiologist should suspect arytenoid dislocation in the case of persistent hoarseness after surgery in the beach chair position.

Arytenoid dislocation is an unusual complication of endotracheal intubation. We reported a case of a 48-year-old female with arytenoid dislocation after uneventful endotracheal intubation, which was successfully treated with arytenoid reduction. The patient complained of persistent hoarseness until the fourth day after an uneventful gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia. On laryngoscopic examination, paralyzed left vocal cord with minimal arytenoid movement was observed. An anteromedial dislocation of the left arytenoid cartilage was suspected and surgical reduction was performed by the laryngologist. The hoarseness was immediately resolved after surgical intervention. Anesthesiologists should be careful not to cause laryngeal trauma in anesthetized patients. In addition, early diagnosis and prompt surgical reduction are essential for a better prognosis for arytenoid dislocation.

Objectives: To explore the relationship between arytenoid cartilage sclerosis and a history of previous surgical resection in patients with laryngeal contact granuloma., Methods: 167 patients with laryngeal contact granuloma treated from March 2016 to December 2018 were studied. The high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) data of the sclerosis of arytenoid cartilage is divided into asymmetric sclerosis, bilateral sclerosis, and no sclerosis according to the range of sclerosis. The proportions of various ranges of sclerosis in two subgroups of patients were compared to patients with and without a history of previous surgical resection., Results: The arytenoid cartilage sclerosis rate of 167 patients was 69.46%. The exact probability method showed that P < 0.001, suggesting that the distribution of arytenoid cartilage sclerosis was different in patients with and without a history of previous surgical resection, and there was a moderate correlation between the extent of arytenoid sclerosis and history of previous surgical resection (Cramer's V = 0.436, P < 0.001). There were 18 cases of bilateral sclerosis in patients with a history of previous surgical resection, of which 50% had contralateral recurrence after combined therapy (proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and glucocorticoid injection into granuloma via the thyrohyoid membrane approach), accounting for 75% of recurrence after combined therapy., Conclusion: Surgery promotes the expansion of arytenoid sclerosis, Patients with bilateral arytenoid sclerosis are prone to recurrence of contralateral laryngeal contact granuloma., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)