Hydroxyapatite versus titanium implant: Comparison of the functional outcome after vocal fold medialization in unilateral recurrent nerve paralysis.

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.