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Vocal fold motion outcome based on excellent prognosis with laryngeal electromyography
Author(s) -
Smith Libby J.,
Rosen Clark A.,
Munin Michael C.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.25910
Subject(s) - fold (higher order function) , electromyography , medicine , vocal fold paralysis , outcome (game theory) , audiology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , computer science , surgery , mathematics , paralysis , mathematical economics , programming language
Objectives/Hypothesis As laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) becomes more refined, accurate predictions of vocal fold motion recovery are possible. Focus has been on outcomes for patients with poor prognosis for vocal fold motion recovery. Limited information is available regarding the expected rate of purposeful vocal fold motion recovery when there is good to normal motor recruitment, no signs of denervation, and no signs of synkinetic activity with LEMG, termed excellent prognosis . The objective of this study is to determine the rate of vocal fold motion recovery with excellent prognosis findings on LEMG after acute recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods Patients undergoing a standardized LEMG protocol, consisting of qualitative (evaluation of motor recruitment, motor unit configuration, detection of fibrillations, presence of synkinesis) and quantitative (turns analysis) measurements were evaluated for purposeful vocal‐fold motion recovery, calculated after at least 6 months since onset of injury. Results Twenty‐three patients who underwent LEMG for acute vocal fold paralysis met the inclusion criteria of excellent prognosis. Eighteen patients (78.3%) recovered vocal fold motion, as determined by flexible laryngoscopy. Conclusion Nearly 80% of patients determined to have excellent prognosis for vocal fold motion recovery experienced return of vocal fold motion. This information will help clinicians not only counsel their patients on expectations but will also help guide treatment. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope , 126:2310–2314, 2016