Biomechanics of combined arytenoid adduction and medialization laryngoplasty in an ex vivo canine model

Abstract

Arytenoid adduction (AA) and medialization laryngoplasty (ML) are being performed concurrently in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis with a large posterior glottal gap. The biomechanical effects of this combined procedure on the larynx have not been studied. An excised canine larynx model was used to study the effects of AA, ML, and combined AA and ML (AA-ML) on vocal fold configuration (length and degree of medialization) and tension. AA-ML lengthens the affected vocal fold relative to the opposite vocal fold, although both were slightly shortened compared with the control state (nonsignificant trends). AA-ML medializes the entire length of the vocal fold more effectively than AA or ML alone. Midmembranous vocal fold tension did not increase with AA-ML. With AA-ML, the vocal process resisted significantly greater lateralizing forces than with the control state or ML. We conclude that in an excised canine model, AA-ML combines the biomechanical properties of AA and ML. The larynx appears to be divided into 2 biomechanical subunits: membranous vocal fold (anterior) and arytenoid cartilage (posterior). When surgical rehabilitation of both laryngeal subunits is required, AA-ML appears to be a better choice than AA or ML alone. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:634-42.)