ABSTRACT
Medialization thyroplasty (type I) has become the gold standard to improve glottic closure due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis. A newer injection method utilizing homologous collagen from cadaveric human tissue has been described as an attractive alternative as no donor site is required, there is a very low risk of hypersensitivity, and the intact, acellular collagen fibers may suffer a reduced long-term reabsorption rate. Preliminary results on eight patients comparing presurgical and postsurgical parameters (perceptual, stroboscopic, acoustic, and aerodynamic) revealed comparable results when compared with a control group of individuals, age- and sex-matched, that had undergone standard medialization thyroplasty (type I). Further study is needed to assess the long-term results with this minimally invasive method of vocal fold medialization.
