Medialization thyroplasty for unilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis causes disturbances with vocal function and swallowing, to include aspiration. Thyroplasty type I has become one of the preferred surgical treatments for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. It is tolerated better by the patient, improves predictability of surgical results, and provides good voice results when compared to more traditional procedures, such as teflon injection. Use of a premade thyroplasty implant has made it possible to accomplish permanent medial displacement of a paralyzed vocal cord, avoiding the complications of other surgical options.