Abstract

BACKGROUND.: Results of medialization thyroplasty for treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis are often unsatisfactory. This study compares glottal closure and voice quality after use of 2 different medialization implant types: VoCoM and TVFMI. METHODS.: In all, 26 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis following thoracic surgery underwent medialization thyroplasty. In 11 patients (group I), a hydroxyapatite implant (VoCoM) was used. In 15 patients (group II), a titanium implant (TVFMI) was used. Preoperative and postoperative glottal closure and voice function were assessed with videostroboscopy, perceptual and objective voice measures, and the Voice Dysfunction Index (VDI). RESULTS.: Group II showed a higher rate of complete glottal closure and greater improvement in perceived hoarseness, maximal phonation time, and maximal voice intensity than those in group I. CONCLUSIONS.: With the individually adjustable titanium implant, better glottal closure and better functional outcome (phonation time and voice quality) were achieved. (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010.