"Laryngotracheal stenosis is defined as congenital or acquired narrowing of the airway that may affect the glottis, subglottis, and/or trachea. Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is narrowing of the upper airway extending from just below the vocal folds to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage. Perceptually, a child with SGS may present with stridor and/or respiratory distress, due to decreased vocal fold medialization, resulting in need for airway reconstruction to provide an adequate airway and restore proper respiratory function. A common outcome of airway reconstruction procedures is unilateral vocal fold paralysis or paresis resulting in glottal insufficiency. Glottal insufficiency is one of the most common contributing factors in patients who present with dysphonia. Approximately half of children who undergo airway reconstruction are known to have dysphonia, or hoarse voice, which is said to have a negative influence on well-being. Voice therapy may provide improvement in vocal function in some cases; however, surgical intervention is required to improve vocal fold medialization by means of injection laryngoplasty. Currently, there is a lack of research for vocal fold medialization in the pediatric population as well as no research, to date, that assesses which injections are most effective in restoring vocal function. This study was a retrospective case series and medical record review which sought to determine efficacy of injection laryngoplasty and the parameters by which it is impacted. It was found that gender was the closest in correlation with glottal efficiency. Further research is warranted to determine a formal algorithm to assess vocal outcomes post-injection laryngoplasty"--Page ii.
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