Treatment Durability of Injection Augmentation of Vocal Fold Atrophy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech and Language Pathology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Injection augmentation (laryngoplasty) is a common treatment for presbyphonia (age-related voice changes).
• Current injection materials offer temporary solutions, necessitating repeat procedures or surgery.
• Patient-reported durability of injection augmentation varies significantly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing the durability of injection augmentation for presbyphonia.
• To compare the effectiveness of different injection materials.
• To assess the impact of voice therapy on treatment longevity.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 35 patients with presbyphonia undergoing injection augmentation.
• Data collected included demographics, injection material, volume, voice therapy, and voice measures.
• Durability was measured as time to follow-up (single injection) or time to reinjection (multiple injections).

Main Results:

• Hyaluronic acid injectables demonstrated significantly longer durability (1232 days) compared to calcium hydroxyapatite (257 days).
• Voice therapy extended treatment durability (1388 days) compared to no therapy (277 days).
• Age was not found to be a significant factor in treatment durability.

Conclusions:

• The choice of injectable material and the use of voice therapy are key factors affecting injection augmentation durability in presbyphonia.
• Hyaluronic acid and adjuvant voice therapy can prolong the benefits of injection laryngoplasty.
• Further research may optimize treatment protocols for enhanced long-term glottal competence.