Temporalis fascia transplant for vocal fold scar and sulcus vocalis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate vocal outcomes in 10 patients 1 year after autologous transplantation of temporalis fascia into Reinke's space (ATFV) for vocal fold scar and sulcus vocalis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, clinical case series. METHODS: Subjective and objective evaluation was performed 12 months after surgery using laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) in all patients, the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) in seven patients, GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain) scale in nine patients, and noise-to-harmonics ratio (NHR), phonatory range (PR) and maximum phonation time (MPT) in six patients. RESULTS: LVS improved in all but one patient. A significant decrease was noted in the GRBAS subscales grade, roughness, asthenia, and strain (P<.05). Breathiness was almost significant, with a P value of .052. There was an average decrease in the VHI-10 of 8.14 (P=.032). NHR, MPT, and PR did not statistically improve. CONCLUSIONS: ATFV for vocal fold scar and sulcus vocalis results in significant subjective vocal improvement that persists at least 1 year after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.