Arytenoid asymmetry in opera singers

Abstract

Almost one out of two singers was likely to present arytenoid asymmetry in adduction. The presence of this asymmetry does not appear to be correlated with any vocal symptoms.

Prevalence of arytenoid adduction asymmetry in normophonic speakers: a retrospective study

“…3 According to Clarós et al, 8 corniculate asymmetry was 29.4 per cent (mild = 61.1 per cent, moderate = 34.7 per cent and severe = 4.1 per cent), which is similar to our study in its distribution according to severity. Cuneiform asymmetry was 37.5 per cent (mild = 67.4 per cent, moderate = 25 per cent, severe = 7.6 per cent) in the study by Clarós et al, 8 and Bonilha et al 4 studied the prevalence of arytenoid asymmetry using all three criteria mentioned above. In the investigation limited to corniculate tuberculum posture, arytenoid adduction asymmetry prevalence was 76 per cent, and more cases (48 per cent) showed marked asymmetry; there was also a difference in the prevalence of asymmetry between dysphonic and non-dysphonic patients.…”

“…Clarós et al conducted a study on arytenoid asymmetry in a group of 250 opera singers (mean age = 38.5) who came to the clinic for evaluation. 8 In this study, the incidence of arytenoid adduction asymmetry was 29.4 per cent (considering the position of corniculate cartilage), whereas cuneiform cartilage asymmetry was 37.5 per cent and aryepiglottic fold asymmetry was 33.1 per cent. The details above show that arytenoid adduction asymmetry is more prevalent in older age groups, which can be explained by the anatomical studies showing a higher incidence of thyroid and cricoid cartilage variations in older people.…”

“…In the study on arytenoid adduction asymmetry in opera singers, Clarós et al had a male-to-female sex ratio of 1.02:1, which was similar to the ratio obtained in our study. 8 Hirano et al reported that closed phases of vibratory cycles of the vocal fold are longer and more complete in males than in females. 5 Arytenoid adduction asymmetry was significantly greater (76.9 per cent) on the right side in our study ( p < 0.01).…”

“…In our study, we graded the arytenoid adduction asymmetry as mild (60.3 per cent), moderate (34.9 per cent) and severe (4.8 per cent) using the aforementioned criteria. 8 Hamdan et al looked at the angle of the aryepiglottic fold and counted a sharper angle as severe asymmetric adduction. 3 According to Clarós et al, 8 corniculate asymmetry was 29.4 per cent (mild = 61.1 per cent, moderate = 34.7 per cent and severe = 4.1 per cent), which is similar to our study in its distribution according to severity.…”

“…8 Hamdan et al looked at the angle of the aryepiglottic fold and counted a sharper angle as severe asymmetric adduction. 3 According to Clarós et al, 8 corniculate asymmetry was 29.4 per cent (mild = 61.1 per cent, moderate = 34.7 per cent and severe = 4.1 per cent), which is similar to our study in its distribution according to severity. Cuneiform asymmetry was 37.5 per cent (mild = 67.4 per cent, moderate = 25 per cent, severe = 7.6 per cent) in the study by Clarós et al, 8 and Bonilha et al 4 studied the prevalence of arytenoid asymmetry using all three criteria mentioned above.…”