[Laryngeal reinnervation: transposition of neuromuscular pedicles]

Following Tucker's technique, a muscle-nerve pedicle implantation in the denervated posterior cricoarytenoid muscle was performed in five dogs. Results were evaluated after six months by videolaryngoscopy, evoked muscle action potentials and histomorphometric studies. Partial motion recovery of the reinnervated side was observed endoscopically in three dogs. Histomorphometric evaluation showed evidence of muscle reinnervation in all of the five dogs. However, no muscle action potentials were obtained in the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles after stimulation of the ansa hypoglossi branch. These data suggest that the ansa hypoglossi neuromuscular pedicle does not result in reinnervation, and that reinnervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle may occur via other neuromuscular pathways.