The aim of the work was to evaluate the voice quality of 10 adult patients after thyroplasty type I using a silicone block. Preoperatively patients suffered from unilateral vocal fold paralysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated selected preoperative and postoperative patient fi ndings (RBH according to Wendler classifi cation, videolaryngostroboscopy and maximum phonation time MPT). The evaluation was performed by a phoniatrician and clinical speech therapist, using patient medical records and the Lingwaves and Glottis Analysis Tools (GAT) programs. RESULTS: Preoperatively we identifi ed R1B1H1-R3B3H3, postoperatively R0B0H0-R3B3H2. In six cases the paralysed vocal cord was preoperatively in a paramedian position, twice in intermediate position and twice in a lateral position. In the case of 6 patients presbyphonic changes were present. Motility of the healthy vocal cord was within the norm. Postoperatively, the paretic vocal cord was medialised. We assessed the MPT value: preoperatively 3-10 seconds, postoperatively 9-17 seconds. Postoperatively we measured jitter (%), shimmer (%) and closing quotient values. In comparison with healthy subjects (Inwald et al. 2011), jitter and shimmer values were higher and closing quotient values after thyroplasty type I close to normal values (Tab.1). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative voice quality was signifi cantly better in comparison with the preoperative state; though, it never achieved the parameters of a normal voice. We confi rmed the signifi cant contribution of TPL I for the patients´ quality of life through partial rehabilitation of their voices. Text in PDF www.elis.sk.
A fracture of the mastoid bone should be considered in the work‐up of a head and neck traumatic injury. A well‐pneumatized mastoid can absorb forceful impacts, protecting middle and inner ear structures. Fractures of the mastoid, followed by Valsalva maneuver can lead to subcutaneous cervical emphysema.