MRI EVALUATION OF VOCAL FOLD PARALYSIS BEFORE AND AFTER TYPE-I THYROPLASTY

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful modality for three-dimens ional evaluation of laryngeal anatomy, The authors present data on pat ients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis both before and after type I thyroplasty for medialization. Videoendoscopic and acoustic measures were obtained, MRI was performed preoperatively and postoperatively, Three-dimensional descriptive parameters were established to assess im plant location, As well, vocal and endoscopic assessment were used to determine a successful result, Magnetic resonance images of two patien ts with satisfactory results were compared with images and vocal analy sis of two dissatisfied patients, Use of MRI after type I thyroplasty provides additional information about implant location that can help d etermine the cause of poor results.