Female patient with male like voice. Type of thyroplasty done:
**Core Concept**
Thyroplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at modifying the voice by altering the tension of the vocal cords. In this case, a female patient with a male-like voice suggests a condition where the vocal cords are too tense or stiff, leading to a deeper pitch.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct procedure for this patient is a type of thyroplasty that involves injecting or implanting materials to weaken the vocal cord, thereby reducing its tension and pitch. This can be achieved through **thyroplasty with medialization**, where a material like silicone or Gore-Tex is inserted into the vocal cord to reduce its tension. The goal is to reduce the vocal cord's closure during phonation, resulting in a softer, higher-pitched voice.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Thyroplasty with medialization is the correct procedure for this patient. **Option B:** Thyroplasty with lateralization would be the opposite, where the vocal cord is moved away from the midline, which would not address the patient's issue.
* **Option C:** Thyroplasty is not the same as a **vocal cord stripping** procedure, which involves removing scar tissue from the vocal cord. This would not address the patient's underlying issue of vocal cord tension.
* **Option D:** **Voice therapy** may be a part of the treatment plan, but it is not a surgical procedure like thyroplasty.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When considering thyroplasty for a patient with vocal cord tension, it's essential to assess the vocal cord's mobility, vocal fold length, and the overall anatomy of the larynx. This information will guide the choice of surgical approach and materials used.
**Correct Answer:** C. Thyroplasty with medialization.