In thyroplasty type 2, vocal cord is:
## **Core Concept**
Thyroplasty type 2, also known as medial vocal cord injection or vocal cord medialization, is a surgical procedure used to treat vocal cord paralysis or weakness. The goal is to improve voice quality by adjusting the position of the vocal cord. This procedure involves the medialization of the vocal cord.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In thyroplasty type 2, the vocal cord is **medialized** or moved towards the midline. This is achieved by inserting a material, such as a silastic block, Gore-Tex, or calcium hydroxylapatite, into the space near the vocal cord to push it medially. This medialization helps to improve vocal cord closure and, consequently, voice quality. The correct answer involves medialization.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** If the option suggests lateralization (moving the vocal cord away from the midline), it would be incorrect because thyroplasty type 2 aims to medialize, not lateralize, the vocal cord.
- **Option B:** If the option mentions a different type of thyroplasty or an unrelated procedure, it would be incorrect because the question specifically asks about thyroplasty type 2.
- **Option C:** This option is not provided, but if it suggested no change or an unrelated action, it would be incorrect for the same reasons.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that thyroplasty type 2 is specifically used for **vocal cord paralysis** or weakness causing **medial** (toward the midline) vocal cord positioning issues. This procedure can significantly improve voice quality in selected patients.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Medialized.