Pediatric Type I Thyroplasty: An Evolving Procedure

Abstract

The treatment of vocal fold paralysis by type I thyroplasty in the pediatric age group has not been reported. From 1990 to 1998, 12 type I thyroplasty procedures were performed on 8 patients between 2 and 17 years of age. The most common cause of vocal fold paralysis was neurologic, followed by vagal injury from a cardiac procedure. The most common indications for the procedure were aspiration and dysphonia. In our early thyroplasty experience, adult techniques and measurements adapted after Isshiki or Netterville were used. Postoperative laryngoscopy showed that in most cases, the placement of the implant was too high. There were variable outcomes in aspiration and dysphonia with this technique. These findings appear to be independent of thyroplasty approach or of implant design type. We conclude that the standard approach for vocal fold medialization in the adult cannot be applied accurately in the pediatric population. In performing pediatric thyroplasty, the anatomically lower position of the vocal fold must be taken into consideration. We have since modified our technique to adjust for accurate identification of the vocal fold line and medialization. The modified approach for vocal fold medialization in the pediatric population is discussed.