A 10-year-old boy developed hoarseness of voice following an attack of diphtheria. On examination, his Rt vocal cord was paralyzed. The treatment of choice for paralyzed vocal cord will be-
**Core Concept**
Diphtheria toxin causes paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to vocal cord paralysis. The recurrent laryngeal nerve controls the muscles of the larynx, including the vocal cord.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct treatment for a paralyzed vocal cord is to use a vocal cord injection to medialize the vocal cord and improve voice quality. This procedure involves injecting a material, such as collagen or silicone, into the vocal cord to move it closer to the midline and improve voice production. The goal is to restore the voice to its normal range and quality. This procedure is particularly useful in children, as it allows them to regain their normal voice and speech.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
This option is incorrect because vocal cord stripping is a procedure that involves removing a portion of the vocal cord to improve voice quality, but it is not the treatment of choice for a paralyzed vocal cord.
**Option B:**
This option is incorrect because arytenoidectomy is a procedure that involves removing the arytenoid cartilages, which are involved in vocal cord movement, but it is not the treatment of choice for a paralyzed vocal cord.
**Option C:**
This option is incorrect because laryngoplasty is a general term for surgery on the larynx, but it is not specific enough to be the treatment of choice for a paralyzed vocal cord.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that vocal cord paralysis can be caused by various conditions, including diphtheria toxin, nerve damage, or tumors. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the paralysis.
**Correct Answer:** C. Laryngeal framework surgery or vocal cord injection (medialization) is the treatment of choice for a paralyzed vocal cord.