What is the effect of medialization of the vocal cords in recurrent laryngeal nerve injury?

The medialization of the vocal cords is primarily intended to address the consequences of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, particularly in terms of voice production and airway management. When the vocal cords are medialized, they are brought closer together, which enhances glottic closure. This is crucial for both phonation—the act of producing vocal sounds—and for reducing the risk of aspiration during swallowing.

By improving glottic closure, medialization helps ensure that the airway is protected during the swallowing process, thus lowering the likelihood of aspiration and allowing for more effective speech. Additionally, when the vocal cords are better aligned, they facilitate clearer sound production, which contributes to improved speech clarity and quality of phonation.

In summary, medialization not only improves the clarity of speech due to better phonatory capacity but also optimizes glottic closure, which is essential in preventing aspiration and ensuring effective airway protection. This dual enhancement of both phonation and airway safety highlights the comprehensive benefits of vocal cord medialization in the context of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.