Question

Enumerate the materials used for medialisation of vocal cords by injection technique.

Hint:

Autologous fat and hyaluronic acid are popular choices for vocal cord medialisation due to their effectiveness and biocompatibility.

Answer 1

Medialisation of the vocal cords is a surgical procedure used to treat vocal cord paralysis, aiming to restore normal voice and breathing. Various materials are used for this procedure, which are injected into the paralyzed vocal cord to help it move towards the midline. The commonly used materials include:
1. Autologous Fat:
- Fat harvested from the patient's own body, usually from the abdominal or thigh area.
2. Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane):
- A biocompatible gel-like substance that is injected into the vocal cord.
3. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse):
- A gel that contains calcium microspheres, which stimulate the formation of new tissue.
4. Teflon:
- A synthetic material used to improve the vocal cord position by providing a permanent bulk.
5. Collagen:
- Derived from animal or human tissue, collagen can be injected into the vocal cords to enhance their bulk.
6. Silicone:
- A material that is injected to fill the space and support the vocal cord’s position.
7. Acrylic:
- Acrylic-based injectable materials are used to medialize the vocal cords and provide long-lasting results.