An audioperceptual, videostroboscopic and electromyographic study of spindle-shaped glottal insufficiency with and without sulcus vocalis

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to define clinical features that would identify patients with sulcus vocalis in a larger group with spindle-shaped glottal insufficiency (SGI). Twenty-nine patients with SGI, 15 with and 14 without sulcus vocalis, were examined with rigid and flexible instruments. Voice characteristics and vocal fold vibrations were studied. Laryngeal electromyography was carried out in 21 cases. Sulcus patients had higher MFO and higher occurrence of breathiness, gratings and instability. Mucosal waves and amplitudes of vibration were smaller among sulcus patients. Amplitude of vibration was smaller and voral fold closure less pronounced in telescopy than in fiberscopy. Electromyographic signs of neurogenic damage to the thyroarytenoid muscle were found in few patients in both groups.

Key Words:

• spindle-shaped glottal insufficiency
• sulcus vocalis
• vocal fold vibrations
• stroboscopy
• perceptual analysis
• EMG