Posture and dysphonia associations in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy: stabilometric analysis

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Thyroidectomy can lead to vocal dysfunction (dysphonia).
• Post-surgical vocal disorders may impact overall patient well-being, including posture.
• Assessing postural stability is crucial for understanding the comprehensive effects of thyroidectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze postural changes in post-thyroidectomy patients with vocal disorders.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of intensive speech-language therapy on vocal and postural recovery.
• To investigate the relationship between vocal function and stabilometric parameters post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• 260 patients with post-thyroidectomy vocal dysfunction were enrolled.
• Group A (130 patients) received speech-language therapy; Group B (130 patients) did not.
• Vocal (VHI-10, MPT, MDVP) and stabilometric (sway area, sway velocity) parameters were assessed pre- and post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Group A showed statistically significant improvement in posture compared to Group B after one month.
• Vocal parameters (VHI, MPT, MDVP) were significantly better in Group A post-therapy (p < 0.05).
• Speech-language rehabilitation demonstrated a positive impact on both vocal and postural outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Intensive speech-language therapy is effective in improving vocal function after thyroidectomy.
• Rehabilitative treatment positively influences postural stability in patients with post-thyroidectomy dysphonia.
• Logopedic rehabilitation offers a comprehensive approach to managing post-thyroidectomy vocal and postural deficits.