Physiologic assessment of arytenoid adduction

Arytenoid adduction as described by Isshiki is a surgical technique used to improve vocal quality by adducting the arytenoid cartilage of a paralyzed vocal fold, medializing the fold, and closing the posterior glottic aperture. Surgical results of this operation were evaluated by preoperative and postoperative voice recordings, laryngoscopy, and stroboscopy. Objective measurements of vocal jitter, shimmer, and signal to noise ratio were done to assess changes in the vibratory patterns, and analysis of data from 12 patients revealed improved glottic function postoperatively. Often an anterior medialization procedure, primarily a type I thyroplasty, was used to supplement the posterior medialization achieved by adduction of the arytenoid. Arytenoid adduction is recommended as an effective and reliable treatment for posterior glottic insufficiency.