CORRELATION BETWEEN VOCAL FUNCTIONS AND GLOTTAL MEASUREMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL VOCAL FOLD PARALYSIS

Observations and analysis of glottal characteristics are critical in c hoosing the best modality for surgery in patients with unilateral voca l fold paralysis (UVP). This study suggests that multiple glottal char acteristics influence the vocal product in patients with UVP. In addit ion to the horizontal position of the paralyzed vocal fold (deviation from the midline), the glottal area, degree of bowing of the paralyzed and contralateral vocal folds, maximum separation between vocal folds , compensatory glottal maneuvers, and the vertical glottic closure pla ne significantly influenced the quality of the voice. Clinicians shoul d be aware of these observations to facilitate treatment planning and assessment of the results of surgical procedures used to improve voice quality in cases of UVP.