Arytenoid asymmetry in opera singers

Area of Science:

• Vocal cord function
• Laryngeal anatomy
• Singing voice science

Background:

• Otolaryngologists frequently observe arytenoid cartilage asymmetry.
• Limited research exists on the clinical implications of this asymmetry, particularly in singers.
• Understanding arytenoid asymmetry is crucial for vocal health in professional singers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of arytenoid asymmetry in adduction among healthy opera singers.
• To assess the relationship between arytenoid asymmetry and vocal symptoms in this population.
• To determine the impact of arytenoid asymmetry on voice quality and function.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical charts and laryngeal video recordings from 245 healthy opera singers.
• Arytenoid asymmetry defined by the position of corniculate cartilages, cuneiform cartilages, and the aryepiglottic angle.
• Analysis of epidemiological data including age, sex, and smoking history.

Main Results:

• Arytenoid asymmetry was present in nearly 50% of singers, more common in males and on the right side.
• Cuneiform asymmetry was the most frequent type (37.5%), followed by aryepiglottic angle (33.1%) and corniculate asymmetry (29.4%).
• No significant correlation was found between the presence or type of arytenoid asymmetry and reported vocal symptoms like dysphonia or vocal fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Arytenoid asymmetry in adduction is a common finding in healthy opera singers.
• The presence of arytenoid asymmetry does not appear to be associated with vocal symptoms in this cohort.
• Further research may explore the functional significance of this asymmetry in elite vocalists.