Temporalis fascia transplant for vocal fold scar and sulcus vocalis.

Abstract

To evaluate vocal outcomes in 10 patients 1 year after autologous transplantation of temporalis fascia into Reinke's space (ATFV) for vocal fold scar and sulcus vocalis. Retrospective, clinical case series. Subjective and objective evaluation was performed 12 months after surgery using laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) in all patients, the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) in seven patients, GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain) scale in nine patients, and noise-to-harmonics ratio (NHR), phonatory range (PR) and maximum phonation time (MPT) in six patients. LVS improved in all but one patient. A significant decrease was noted in the GRBAS subscales grade, roughness, asthenia, and strain (P<.05). Breathiness was almost significant, with a P value of .052. There was an average decrease in the VHI-10 of 8.14 (P=.032). NHR, MPT, and PR did not statistically improve. ATFV for vocal fold scar and sulcus vocalis results in significant subjective vocal improvement that persists at least 1 year after surgery. 4.