[These vocal cords lesions termed sulcus glottidis: clinico-anatomical considerations]

Among the difficult cases which phonosurgeons may encounter, the problem of vergetures is one of the most complex. The primum movens would seem to be a particular vocal fold lesion in the form of more or less pronounced ligament atrophy. About a retrospective study of 52 cases, the authors present their conclusions: This atrophy co-exists anatomically, with (a sometimes considerable amount of atrophied mucosa opposite, "glottal tension" clearly perceptible during surgery, especially along the lower edge); videostroboscopically, with (great vibratory rigidity, more or less severe glottal air-loss). This lesion is completely distinct from a sulcus (the surgical treatment wil be discussed in an other paper).