In type 4 thyroplasty, vocal cord is
**Core Concept**
Type 4 thyroplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat vocal cord paralysis, specifically addressing medialization of the paralyzed vocal cord to improve voice quality. This procedure involves injecting a material into the vocal cord to push it medially, thereby improving vocal cord closure and voice production.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The goal of type 4 thyroplasty is to medialize the paralyzed vocal cord, which is achieved by injecting a material, such as a silicone gel or a hydrogel, into the vocal cord. This injection causes the vocal cord to move medially, thereby improving vocal cord closure and voice production. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because type 4 thyroplasty does not involve repositioning or resecting the vocal cord, but rather injecting a material into it to improve voice quality.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because type 4 thyroplasty is not a procedure that involves cutting or resecting the vocal cord, but rather a minimally invasive injection procedure.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because type 4 thyroplasty is not a procedure that involves moving the vocal cord laterally, but rather medially to improve vocal cord closure and voice production.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that type 4 thyroplasty is a highly effective procedure for improving voice quality in patients with vocal cord paralysis, with up to 90% of patients experiencing significant improvement in voice quality.
**Correct Answer:** C. Medialization of the vocal cord is the goal of type 4 thyroplasty.