The effects of phonosurgery on laryngeal vibration: Part I. Theoretic considerations

Surgical manipulation of the laryngeal framework (phonosurgery) is rapidly gaining interest and attention. To date, however, a comparative objective evaluation of the various phonosurgical techniques has not been reported. A theoretic model of the larynx, a four-mass model based on the work of Ishizaka (J Acoust Soc Am 1976;60:1193-8) and Koizumi et al. (J Acoust Soc Am 1987;82:1179-92), was developed and adapted to simulate laryngeal biomechanical behavior, as understood by current research. The model was then applied to a comparative evaluation of phonosurgical techniques. Input parameters that correlate laryngeal function and model simulation were developed. Surgical procedures were categorized according to their effect on these parameters. A model simulation of these techniques allowed comparison and prediction of the results of phonosurgery and a better understanding of the issues involved with surgical alteration of the voice.