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Phonatory effects of thyroid cartilage fractures
R B Stanley1, D S Cooper, S H Florman
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Even minor thyroid cartilage fractures from blunt trauma can significantly alter voice production. These injuries can lead to lasting vocal function disorders if not properly managed.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Voice Science
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Blunt trauma to the larynx can result in diverse injuries.
- The threshold of injury severity causing permanent vocal dysfunction remains undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of minimal thyroid cartilage displacement or malalignment on voice production parameters.
- To determine if minor laryngeal trauma can lead to phonation disorders.
Main Methods:
- Utilized excised canine and human larynges for experimentation.
- Simulated thyroid cartilage fractures with minimal displacement or malalignment.
- Measured selected voice production parameters before and after simulated injury.
Main Results:
- Simulated fractures altered glottal configuration.
- Changes in glottal resistance were observed.
- Voice signals exhibited modifications in amplitude and noise content.
Conclusions:
- Relatively minor thyroid cartilage injuries can disrupt normal phonation.
- These injuries may result in potentially serious voice disorders.
- Further research is needed to define injury severity thresholds for permanent vocal impairment.