Arytenoid Adduction for Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

TLDR

The arytenoid adduction technique is indicated for unilateral vocal cord paralysis presenting with a wide glottal chink and a level difference between the cords. The procedure, performed under local anesthesia, pulls the arytenoid process with two 3‑0 nylon sutures to mimic lateral cricoarytenoid and lateral thyroarytenoid muscle action. All five patients experienced dramatic voice improvement, and the simple, adjustable technique consistently produced the best obtainable voice.

Abstract

The arytenoid adduction technique was devised and performed under local anesthesia on five patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. It is especially indicated for the case of a wide, glottal chink and a difference in the level of the two cords. The muscle process is pulled by two 3-0 nylon sutures in simulation of the functions of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle and the lateral thyroarytenoid muscle. Improvement of voice after surgery was dramatic in all of the patients who were operated on. The surgical procedure is rather simple, easy, and allows adjustment of the degree of arytenoid adduction during surgery to produce the best voice obtainable.