Dynamic and Static Examinations of the Larynx

Abstract

The examination of the larynx is important not only for diagnostic purposes but also for planning the optimal treatment strategy. The usefulness of the laryngeal stroboscope, flexible laryngoscopy and neck computed-tomography, all of which are generally used to examine dysphonia patients is reported.

Laryngeal stroboscope

This instrument is useful for the evaluation of abnormalities in the vocal cord mucosa. The symmetry of movement of the bilateral, vocal cords, regularity of vibration, glottal closure, amplitude and mucosal wave are examined with this instrument. It is important to observe not only fixed pitch and loudness of voice but also changed state. While this examination is a qualitative examination. A quantitative comparison between pretreatment and posttreatment is possible using the instrument's recording function.

Flexible laryngoscopy

This examination is useful for the evaluation of movement disorders of the vocal cords. Flexible laryngoscopy is more adept than a telescope examination in the observation of the periphery of the anterior commissure, although the observation of the posterior glottis is difficult. To observe a vocal cord lesion carefully, we must consider the nasal cavity through which the flexible laryngoscope will pass （right or left）. In addition, we must also consider whether the flexible laryngoscope will pass between the middle nasal meatus or common nasal meatus.

Computed-tomography

Reconstruction of perpendicular coronal and parallel axial sections of the vocal cords is useful in voice restitution operations. As such, three-dimensional computed tomography is useful for imagining the pathosis.