Using Hyaluronic Acid for Improving Vocal Function in a Prepubescent Boy With an Atrophied Right Vocal Fold

Abstract

A single case study is reported of a child who underwent several surgical procedures as result of congenital grade III subglottic stenosis. The anterior aspect of the right vocal cord was damaged and underwent atrophy during one of these procedures. Now, an active 10-year-old, the patient has become increasingly aware of his vocal limitations on functional activities. Injection of hyaluronic acid into the vocal folds has been known to provide improved voice quality in adults although there are no known cases reported of this procedure in children. This article reports voice outcomes after injection of hyaluronic acid into the Reinke's space in a single case study. Voice recordings were made before, after, and 1month after injection. The voice recordings were subject to acoustic and perceptual analysis. Post and follow-up voice recordings demonstrate decreased jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio. Perceptual evaluation indicates improved voice quality. Injection of hyaluronic acid in children who require voice augmentation is possible and may contribute to increased vocal function and improved voice outcomes.