Objective voice analysis after autologous fat injection for unilateral vocal fold paralysis

This study was designed to objectively compare a patient's voice after onset of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) to his or her own normal voice, and to compare the results after treatment by intrafold injection of autologous fat. Acoustic recordings were obtained for 2 male patients before thoracic surgery and after the onset of iatrogenic left UVFP. Vocal fold augmentation was performed 10 days after UVFP. The acoustic recordings were repeated within 3 days and at 1 month. The phonation quotient, pitch perturbation quotient, amplitude perturbation quotient, harmonics-to-noise ratio, cepstral peak prominence, and long-term average spectrum were analyzed. All parameters improved after treatment, with a return to preparalytic values for most. During the first month, some deterioration was noted. This is the first study comparing a subject's own normal voice to his or her voice after vocal fold augmentation. We recommend overinjection of fat if vocal fold atrophy is expected.     

自体筋膜移植填充治疗声带沟

目的探讨筋膜移植填充术在声带沟治疗中的价值及预后转归。方法23例双侧声带沟患者全麻显微镜下行声带沟瘢痕松解、筋膜移植填充手术，合并声带肌萎缩者同时行声门旁间隙脂肪注射。患者手术前、后行嗓音声学、气流动力学及频闪喉镜检查。结果4例手术失败者未进行疗效评价。19例术后6—8周患者发音开始改善，术后3个月发音改善明显。术后6个月音质趋于稳定，主、客观声学评价及气流动力学参数较术前改善明显，17例（89．5％）患者音质改善明显，声带结构及黏膜振动接近正常，声门闭合明显改善；2例患者音质改善不明显，声带形态接近正常，声门闭合改善，但黏膜振动不良。声音嘶哑主观评分与术前比较改善明显（P值均〈0．05），总评分2例患者（10．5％）提高2个等级，15例患者（79．0％）提高1个等级，2例患者（10．5％）评级无明显改变。除基频外，嗓音声学参数及最大发音时间与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P值均〈0．01），8例（42．0％）患者声学参数达到正常范围，17例患者（89．5％）最大发音时间达到正常范围。19例患者随诊均6个月-1年，未发现筋膜吸收，其中5例患者随诊满2年，音质稳定。结论筋膜移植填充声带沟的手术可在一定程度上矫正声带固有层缺陷，改善声门闭合不良，恢复声带振动特性。     

Anatomical study of minor alterations in neonate vocal folds

IntroductionMinor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover are frequent causes of voice abnormalities. They may be difficult to diagnose, and are expressed in different manners. Cases of intracordal cysts, sulcus vocalis, mucosal bridge, and laryngeal micro-diaphragm form the group of minor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover investigated in the present study. The etiopathogenesis and epidemiology of these alterations are poorly known.ObjectiveTo evaluate the existence and anatomical characterization of minor structural alterations in the vocal folds of newborns.Methods56 larynxes excised from neonates of both genders were studied. They were examined fresh, or defrosted after conservation via freezing, under a microscope at magnifications of 25× and 40×. The vocal folds were inspected and palpated by two examiners, with the aim of finding minor structural alterations similar to those described classically, and other undetermined minor structural alterations. Larynges presenting abnormalities were submitted to histological examination.ResultsSix cases of abnormalities were found in different larynges: one (1.79%) compatible with a sulcus vocalis and five (8.93%) compatible with a laryngeal micro-diaphragm. No cases of cysts or mucosal bridges were found. The observed abnormalities had characteristics similar to those described in other age groups.ConclusionAbnormalities similar to sulcus vocalis or micro-diaphragm may be present at birth.     

Voice and vocal fold position in men with unilateral vocal fold paralysis

The paralyzed vocal fold positioning and the degree of dysphonia are important inputs when one is deciding upon treatment options for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).ObjectiveTo check voice characteristics and paralyzed vocal fold position in men with UVFP.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective historical cross-sectional cohort study, with data from 24 men with UVFP with mean age of 60.7 years, submitted to voice assessment by three speech therapists and three ENT physicians used laryngeal images to classify the position of the paralyzed vocal fold.ResultsThe paralyzed vocal fold was found in the paramedian position in 45.83% of the cases; in the intermediary position in 25%; lateral in 20.83%, and it was in the median position in 4.16%; the dysphonia resulting from the UVFP was characterized by moderate hoarseness, roughness and stress in the voice; breathiness (most had severe breathiness); weakness and instability(mostly mild); the position of the paralyzed vocal fold had a significant influence on the general degree of vocal deviation.ConclusionThe general degree of dysphonia is associated with the paralyzed vocal fold position; dysphonia is characterized by hoarseness, breathiness, roughness and stress of moderate to severe levels.     

A retrospective analysis of revision framework surgeries for unilateral vocal fold paralysis

IntroductionRevision framework surgeries might be required for unilateral vocal fold paralyses. However, outcomes and indications of revision surgeries have not been adequately documented. For a better understanding of indications for the procedure and to help in achieving better vocal outcomes, we performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent revision framework surgeries for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.ObjectivesThis study aimed to present clinical features of patients who underwent revision framework surgeries for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.MethodsOf the 149 framework surgeries performed between October 2004 and October 2019, 21 revision framework surgeries were performed in 19 patients. Self-assessments by patients using the voice handicap index-10 questionnaire, and objective aerodynamic and acoustic assessments performed pre- and post-operatively were analyzed using the Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test for paired comparisons.ResultsUndercorrection was indicated as reasons for revision surgeries in all cases. The revision techniques included type I thyroplasty, type IV thyroplasty, and arytenoid adduction, and revision surgeries were completed without any severe complication in all cases. Pre- and post-operative voice handicap index-10 scores were obtained in 12 cases, and other parameters were evaluated in 18 cases. Significant improvements were observed in voice handicap index-10 scores, maximum phonation time, mean flow rate, Current/Direct Current ratio, and pitch perturbation quotient.ConclusionUndercorrection was observed in all patients who underwent revision framework surgeries for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, and the initial assessment and planning are thought to be important in order to avoid revision surgeries. Revision surgeries were performed safely in all cases, and significantly improved vocal outcomes were observed, even after multiple procedures. Revision surgery should be considered for patients with unsatisfactory vocal functions after primary framework surgeries for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.     

Fiberscopic estimation of vocal fold stiffness in vivo using the sucking method

We developed a fiberscopic device for estimating vocal fold stiffness in vivo. A small plastic tube with a hole in the side was connected to the forceps channel of the fiberscope and used as an aspiration tube under constant negative pressure. A basic experiment revealed that the maximum distance at which the vocal fold was sucked to the hole depended on the stiffness of the tissue. A preliminary study was conducted with a normal subject and four patients: one with sulcus vocalis, one with Reinke's edema, and two with carcinoma. The stiffness estimated using this method was 3 to 4 g/cm for the normal vocal fold. The stiffness for carcinoma and sulcus vocalis was significantly greater than that of normal vocal fold tissue. The stiffness of Reinke's edema did not differ markedly from that of normal tissue.     

Relationships between the degree of lesion and that of vocal dysfunction in vocal fold polyp

Relationships between the degree of lesion and that of vocal dysfunction were investigated in 122 cases of vocal fold polyp. A normalized size of polyps and glottic gap were correlated to the results of phonatory ability tests, stroboscopic investigations, acoustic analyses, and perceptual evaluations. There was no significant correlation between the size and the gap. The size of polyp was negatively correlated to fundamental frequency, whereas it was positively correlated to roughness of voice, asymmetry of vocal fold vibration, irregularity of vocal fold vibration, pitch perturbation quotient, amplitude perturbation quotient, and normalized noise energy. The glottic gap showed negative correlations to maximum phonation time and sound pressure level, and positive correlations to mean airflow rate and fundamental frequency.     

Functional results after external vocal fold medialization thyroplasty with the titanium vocal fold medialization implant

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: A persistent insufficiency of glottal closure is mostly a consequence of a unilateral vocal fold movement impairment. It can also be caused by vocal fold atrophy or scarring processes with regular bilateral respiratory vocal fold function. Because of consequential voice, breathing, and swallowing impairments, a functional surgical treatment is required. The goal of the study was to outline the functional results after medialization thyroplasty with the titanium vocal fold medialization implant according to Friedrich. METHODS: In the period of 1999 to 2001, an external vocal fold medialization using the titanium implant was performed on 28 patients (12 women and 16 men). The patients were in the age range of 19 to 84 years. Twenty-two patients had a paralysis of the left-side vocal fold, and six patients, of the right-side vocal fold. Detailed functional examinations were executed on all patients before and after the surgery: perceptive voice sound analysis according to the "roughness, breathiness, and hoarseness" method, judgment of the s/z ratio and voice dysfunction index, voice range profile measurements, videostroboscopy, and pulmonary function tests. In case of dysphagia/aspiration, videofluoroscopy of swallowing was also performed. The respective data were statistically analyzed (paired t test, Wilcoxon-test). RESULTS: All patients reported on improvement of voice, swallowing, and breathing functions postoperatively. Videostroboscopy revealed an almost complete glottal closure after surgery in all of the patients. All voice-related parameters showed a significant improvement. An increase of the laryngeal resistance by the medialization procedure could be excluded by analysis of the pulmonary function test. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the external medialization of the vocal folds as an adequate method in the therapy of voice, swallowing, and breathing impairment attributable to an insufficient glottal closure. The titanium implant offers, apart from good tissue tolerability, the advantage of an easy, time-saving, and individually adjustable application during the operation.     

Combination of fascia transplantation and fat injection into the vocal fold for sulcus vocalis: long-term results

Fat injection and fascia transplantation alone have been used to treat patients with sulcus vocalis. No information is available on the effectiveness of these two procedures used in concert to treat sulcus vocalis. The objectives of this study were to conduct the two procedures together and report the long-term results. This article assesses, retrospectively, the effectiveness of the combination treatment of fascia transplantation and fat injection (FTFI) in patients with sulcus vocalis (n = 22). Perceptual acoustic, phonatory function, and videolaryngostroboscopic data were evaluated before and after FTFI treatment in 18 patients. The mean follow-up time was 16.6 months. Sixteen patients had excellent results, 3 reported improvement, and 3 indicated no change. Phonatory function improved significantly in terms of phonation time, grade, roughness (p < .05), and breathiness (p < .001). The videolaryngostroboscopic rating showed significant improvement in vocal fold vibration amplitude and excursion of the mucosal wave (p < .05). Type 3 sulcus responded better to this treatment than did type 2 (sulcus vergeture). No postoperative complications were noted. The FTFI technique consists of an autogenous implant and delivers positive results. It may be considered as an option for patients with sulcus vocalis. It has been demonstrated to achieve excellent results in a majority of patients and to deliver a better prognosis than fat injection alone. Although resorption of fat and fascia is associated with FTFI, the FTFI procedure may be repeated multiple times.     

Phonovibrogram visualization of entire vocal fold dynamics

OBJECTIVES: High-speed (HS) video recordings are the up-to-date method for visualizing irregular vocal fold vibrations. However, perceptive evaluation during offline replay is time consuming and shows high inter-rater variability. METHOD: A visualization procedure is presented that extracts vocal fold vibrations from HS videos and transfers the motion information into a set of three phonovibrogram (PVG) images that make visual vocal fold displacements (PVG-0), velocities (PVG-1), and accelerations (PVG-2). RESULTS: The principles of PVG computation as well as their application to three clinical examples (normal voice, laryngeal nerve paralysis, functional voice disorder with vocal nodules) are presented. For normal and dysphonic subjects, the PVG images show the characteristics of vocal fold vibrations as concern the dynamic patterns of displacements, velocities, and accelerations. CONCLUSION: The PVG approach makes visual the entire range of motion of vibrating vocal fold edges in easy-to-read color images for differentiation of normal and pathologic voices. PVG images are printable and can be stored on a hard-disc drive, enabling the documentation of the course of voice disorders that is essential for evidenced-based medicine. PVG visualization has the potential to overcome the subjective quality of assessing HS videos, which makes it a valuable tool with broad clinical application.     

Comparison of the efficacy of vocal training and vocal microsurgery in patients with early vocal fold polyp

IntroductionVocal fold polyp is a benign proliferative disease in the superficial lamina propria of the vocal fold, and vocal microsurgery can improve the voice quality of patients with vocal fold polyp. In preliminary studies, we found that vocal training could improve the vocal quality of patients with early vocal fold polyp.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the efficacies of vocal training and vocal microsurgery in patients with early vocal fold polyp.MethodsA total of 38 patients with early vocal fold polyp underwent 3 months of vocal training (VT group); another 31 patients with early vocal fold polyp underwent vocal microsurgery (VM group). All subjects were assessed using laryngostroboscopy, voice handicap index, and dysphonia severity index, and the efficacies of vocal training and vocal microsurgery were compared.ResultsThe cure rates of vocal training and vocal microsurgery were 31.6% (12/38) and 100% (31/31), respectively. The intragroup paired-sample t-test showed that the post treatment vocal handicap index, maximum phonation time, highest frequency (F0-high), lowest intensity (I-low), and dysphonia severity index in both the VT and VM groups were better than those before treatment, except for the jitter value. The intergroup independent-sample t-test revealed that the emotional values of vocal handicap index (t = ? 2.22, p = 0.03), maximum phonation time (t = 2.54, p = 0.013), jitter (t = ? 2.11, p = 0.03), and dysphonia severity index (t = 3.24, p = 0.002) in the VT group were better than those in the VM group.ConclusionsBoth, vocal training and vocal microsurgery could improve the voice quality of patients with early vocal fold polyp, and these methods present different advantages.     

Quality-of-life outcomes following laryngeal endoscopic surgery for non-neoplastic vocal fold lesions

Preservation of the vocal fold cover during laryngeal surgery should optimize vocal outcomes for patients with benign glottal lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the quality of life, perceptual voice evaluation, and acoustic and aerodynamic measures of patients before and after endoscopic laryngeal microsurgery for true vocal fold cysts, polyps, and scarring. Preoperative and postoperative Voice Handicap Index (VHI) scores, Short Form 36 scores, and perceptual, acoustic, and aerodynamic voice measures were obtained prospectively from 42 patients who underwent phonomicrosurgery from February 2000 through May 2003. The mean (+/-SD) preoperative VHI was 49.6 +/- 21. The mean postoperative VHI score at a minimum of 3 months after surgery decreased to 26.8 +/- 21 (p < .001). When divided by lesion type, VHI scores improved significantly after surgery for vocal fold polyps and cysts. Although patients with vocal fold scarring demonstrated improvement in VHI scores after surgery, statistical significance was not achieved. For the entire group, the Short Form 36 scores were not significantly different from US norms either before or after operation. The acoustic data showed statistically significant decreases in jitter (2.05% to 1.26%), shimmer (7.06% to 4.03%), and noise-to-harmonics ratio (0.18 to 0.13) after surgery (p < .05) in female patients. The upper pitch limit increased after surgery in women (495.3 Hz to 654.9 Hz, p < .001). These results indicate that the voice-related quality of life and some acoustic parameters improve significantly for patients who have undergone laryngeal microsurgery for vocal fold cysts and polyps. Vocal fold scarring remains a difficult clinical problem with less favorable outcomes following surgical treatment in this patient set.     

Treatment of vocal fold scarring: rheological and histological measures of homologous collagen matrix

The current treatment options for dysphonia secondary to vocal fold scarring are limited. Few studies address changes in the lamina propria, which is critical to vocal fold biomechanical properties and voice production. Using rheological and histological measures of homologous collagen matrix (HCM)-injected vocal folds, we assessed HCM's potential for providing bulk and restoring biomechanical performance. Twenty rabbits underwent bilateral vocal fold scarring. After 10 weeks of scar maturation, the rabbits had unilateral injections of HCM or saline solution. Ten weeks after the injections, histological studies revealed well-defined collagen globules distributed throughout the lamina propria and underlying muscular tissue. Significantly more procollagen was observed in the HCM-treated group. No significant differences in elastic shear modulus or dynamic viscosity were found between the treatment groups. This study demonstrates that HCM is an inert, relatively stable injectate that may serve well for medialization but does not appear to improve the dynamic properties of the lamina propria.     

Thyroplasty to improve the voice in patients with a unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis may cause incomplete closure of the glottis and a poor voice. Thyroplasty is a relative new operation to improve the voice by‘medialization’of the paralysed vocal fold. In our series of 29 patients 24 (83%) were satisfied and 26 (90%) had a better voice. After the operation the voice was louder, clearer and easier to understand. The dynamic and melodic ranges on the phonetogram were wider; maximum loudness and maximum phonation time were improved. There were no complications during the follow-up of 4 months to 5 years. In the three patients whose voice was not improved, the vocal fold paralysis was due to local trauma and scarring     

Gender-related differences of hyaluronic acid distribution in the human vocal fold

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the distribution of hyaluronic acid (HA) within the normal human vocal fold and evaluate gender- and age-related differences. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study by age and gender groups using cadaveric vocal folds to study hyaluronic acid differences. METHODS: Twenty-five vocal fold halves obtained at autopsy were evaluated from nine adult male (age range, 34-52 y), seven adult female (age range, 21-41 y), four geriatric male (age range, 65-77 y), and five geriatric female (age range 65-82 y) subjects. Midmembranous vocal fold sections were stained for HA using the Muller-Mowry colloidal iron (acid mucopolysaccharide) stain with and without hyaluronidase. Digital imaging software was used to quantify the distribution of HA across the lamina propria at the vocal fold edge from superficial (subepithelial) to deep (vocalis muscle). RESULTS: A significant gender difference (P =.03) was noted in distribution when controlled for age. Combined, male subjects had a relatively constant distribution pattern throughout the depth of lamina propria. Female subjects showed relatively less HA in the first 15% of depth (most superficial) but showed more HA in the deeper 40% to 100% (toward vocalis muscle) than in male subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Important clinical implications may be extrapolated from our findings. First, relatively less HA in the most superficial area implies less protection from vibratory trauma and overuse and may explain in part why more female than male patients have phonotrauma to phonotraumatic lesions. Second, evaluating the distribution of HA in the normal human vocal fold allows more direction in our application of HA as a therapeutic lamina propria substitute in patients with voice disorders.     

Mucosal bridge of the vocal fold]

Mucosal bridge of the vocal fold is a newly recognized laryngeal disease need to be differentiated from the functional voice disorder. A 16-year-old woman with deteriorating hoarseness presented for indirect laryngoscopy and laryngofiberoscopy of just slight swelling of the bilateral vocal folds. Since the laryngeal stroboscopy revealed the decrease of wave formation at the swelling portion, we performed an endolaryngeal microsurgery and discovered a sulcus in a side of the vocal fold and a mucosal bridge in the other side. Resection of the bridge followed by the voice therapy increased the voice range and decreased the hoarseness. This case suggests that the laryngeal stroboscopy and microscopic examination with direct laryngoscopy are the most important for diagnosing the mucosal bridge of the vocal fold.     

Spatiotemporal analysis of normal and pathological human vocal fold vibrations

PurposeFor spatiotemporal analysis to become a relevant clinical tool, it must be applied to human vocal fold vibration. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis will help assess the ability of spatiotemporal parameters to detect pathological vibration.Materials and MethodsSpatiotemporal parameters of correlation length and entropy were extracted from high-speed videos of 124 subjects, 67 without vocal fold pathology and 57 with either vocal fold polyps or nodules. Mann-Whitney rank sum tests were performed to compare normal vocal fold vibrations to pathological vibrations, and ROC analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of spatiotemporal analysis.ResultsA statistically significant difference was found between the normal and pathological groups in both correlation length (P < .001) and entropy (P < .001). The ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.85 for correlation length, 0.87 for entropy, and 0.92 when the 2 parameters were combined. A statistically significant difference was not found between the nodules and polyps groups in either correlation length (P = .227) or entropy (P = .943). The ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.63 for correlation length and 0.51 for entropy.ConclusionsAlthough they could not effectively distinguish vibration of vocal folds with nodules from those with polyps, the spatiotemporal parameters correlation length and entropy exhibit the ability to differentiate normal and pathological vocal fold vibration and may represent a diagnostic tool for objectively detecting abnormal vibration in the future, especially in neurological voice disorders and vocal folds without a visible lesion.     

Electroglottographic measurements of glottal function in vocal fold paralysis in women

The purpose of the study was to determine how electroglottographic measures change with voice recovery in women with vocal fold palsy compared with healthy speakers, and which coefficient best represents dysphonia. An electroglottograph with speech studio 1.04 software was used to record and analyse the data. Electroglottographic data were collected from 22 female patients and 16 healthy female speakers. Our findings show that the mean values of open quotient (OpQ), closing quotient (ClQ), % Irregularity and contact quotient (Qx) differ between the groups of patients and controls. % Irregularity, Qx and OpQ significantly correlated with the perceptual degree of dysphonia. Electroglottographic recordings can objectify dysphonia in patients with vocal fold palsy. Electroglottography is a suitable non-invasive tool for tracking the patients' long-term progress. % Irregularity best represents the vocal fold dysfunction in patients with a vocal fold palsy.     

Videostrobokymographic analysis of benign vocal fold lesions

OBJECTIVES: Videostrobokymography (VSK) has recently been introduced. The aim of this study was to analyze vibratory patterns and objective parameters in various benign vocal fold lesions using VSK and to examine the efficacy of VSK in clinical applications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using VSK, we analyzed the vibration patterns of normal vocal folds, various benign lesions such as nodules, polyps, cysts and Reinke's edema and cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis. We also calculated the objective parameters open quotient and asymmetric index and compared them with their mean values in normal controls. RESULTS: In nodules, polyps and cysts, the open quotient at the site of the lesion was similar to the mean value in the normal controls; however, on the other parts of the vocal folds, it was much larger than the normal mean value. In Reinke's edema, irregular and asymmetric vibrations were observed. The posterior area of the vocal folds showed larger open quotients than the anterior area. In unilateral vocal fold paralysis, irregular vocal fold vibration and incomplete closure of the vocal folds were documented. Much larger asymmetric indices were calculated for unilateral vocal fold paralysis than in normal controls or for other lesions. The asymmetric index may be a good quantitative parameter of vibration in patients with vocal fold paralysis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that VSK could generate clear quantitative documentation of fine vibrations of vocal folds in many different types of benign lesion. VSK has the potential to be an effective tool for the quantitative analysis of vibratory patterns of vocal folds in clinical settings.     

Mucosal blood volume and oxygen saturation in the human vocal fold

With a newly developed spectrophotometric analyzer we were able to measure hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and its oxygen saturation in the human vocal and ventricular folds. Studies were made on 30 subjects including 18 normal controls. In laryngomicrosurgery under general anesthesia, measurements were made with a fiber probe touching the laryngeal mucosa. Results were as follows: In normal mucosa of the vocal fold, the mean value of IHb was 40 and the ISO2 was 55, while in that of the ventricular fold, the mean values were 74 and 56, respectively. Thus, in spite of the influence of general anesthesia, the mucosal blood volume was lower in the vocal fold than in the ventricular fold. The mean value of IHb was 30 in the vocal fold polyps, 122 in the vocal fold nodule, 43 in the polypoid degenerations, 17 in the vocal fold cyst, 62 in the granuloma, 6 in the sulcus vocalis and 19 in the hyperkeratoses. This method is considered useful for objective and quantitative analysis of pathological conditions in the vocal fold.