Arytenoid adduction and type I thyroplasty in the treatment of aphonia

Arytenoid adduction is a procedure used to medialize the paralyzed vocal fold, closing the posterior glottis. Isshiki type I thyroplasty allows medialization of the anterior membranous vocal fold. Using the arytenoid adduction, in combination with Isshiki type I thyroplasty as needed, five patients were treated for aphonia. Surgical results were evaluated with voice recordings, electroglottography, and photoglottography. Jitter ratio, shimmer ratio, and signal-to-noise ratio were measured. Laryngeal stroboscopy and glottography were used to assess the mucosal wave and vibratory nature of the vocal folds. After operation, vocal function was restored. Analysis of data from these five aphonia patients revealed improved glottic phonatory function. The arytenoid adduction in combination with the Isshiki type I thyroplasty is an effective technique for aphonia caused by a significant posterior glottic gap with unilateral vocal-cord paralysis.