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

• Published in: Journal of laryngology and otology 2022-08, Vol.136 (8), p.713-719
• Main Authors: Raviraj, Arya, Menon, J K R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asymmetry; Cartilage; Endoscopy; Females; Gender; Laryngoscopy; Larynx; Main Article; Males; Medical records; Paresis; Patients; Software; Speaking; Statistical analysis
• ISSN: 0022-2151; 1748-5460
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215121002553

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the incidence and severity of arytenoid adduction asymmetry in normophonic speakers and to identify related demographic characteristics.MethodA retrospective observational clinical study on normophonic patients was conducted. Videos of flexible laryngoscopy of the study group (aged 18 to 45 years) were reviewed. Arytenoid adduction asymmetry, if present, was graded as mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2) and severe (grade 3).ResultsVideo recordings of 347 normophonic patients were analysed. The total prevalence of arytenoid adduction asymmetry was 36.4 per cent, with a predominance in males and on the right side. Right-sided predominance was statistically significant (p < 0.01). A total of 60.3 per cent of patients with arytenoid adduction asymmetry had only mild asymmetry, whereas 34.9 per cent had moderate asymmetry. Only 4.8 per cent showed severe asymmetry.ConclusionArytenoid adduction asymmetry is found in more than one third of the normophonic population, has significant right-sided preponderance and was more common in males.