Electrophysiologic activity of the vestibular fold.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the vestibular fold muscle after cordectomy and laryngeal reconstruction, the pattern of motor unit recruitment during sound emission, and the morphologic characteristics of motor unit action potentials.


METHODS
Prospective analysis.


METHODS
Tertiary academic hospital.


METHODS
We evaluated 11 men (mean age, 65.7 years; age range, 53-82 years) who underwent laryngofissure, cordectomy, and laryngeal reconstruction with a vestibular fold flap.


METHODS
Laryngeal electromyography with the insertion of a needle electrode for the assessment of the electrophysiologic activity of thyroartenoid muscle fibers and of the cricothyroid muscle on the operated on and nonoperated on sides. The thyroarytenoid muscle was evaluated by introducing a needle electrode through the thyroid cartilage and the cricothyroid membrane.


METHODS
Activities of needle insertion, spontaneous muscle activity during rest, and pattern of motor unit recruitment.


RESULTS
Seven patients (64%) had vestibular fold muscle fiber, all of whom showed motor unit recruitment in response to sound emission. No neurogenic muscle injuries were observed except in 1 patient with evidence of chronic injury.


CONCLUSIONS
After cordectomy and laryngeal reconstruction, thyroarytenoid muscle fibers are present in the vestibular fold, with motor unit recruitment during sound emission.
Ricz
Hilton
H
Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 3900 Ave Bandeirantes, Bairro Monte Alegre, 14048-900 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. hricz@fmrp.usp.br
Bastos
Patrícia
P
Aguiar-Ricz
Lílian
L
Marques
Wilson
W
Mamede
Rui Celso Martins
RC
D000200:Action Potentials; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D004576:Electromyography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005931:Glottis; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery