In laryngeal framework surgery for unilateral vocal cord paralysis, a Type I thyroplasty medialization implant is placed through which of the following spaces?
- A Paraglottic space lateral to the inner thyroid lamina ✓
- B Pre-epiglottic space
- C Through the cricothyroid membrane directly
- D Via endoscopic injection into the vocalis muscle
Correct answer: A. Paraglottic space lateral to the inner thyroid lamina
Explanation
Type I thyroplasty (medialization thyroplasty) involves creating a window in the thyroid cartilage lamina through which a silastic or Gore-Tex implant is placed in the paraglottic space — the space between the inner perichondrium of the thyroid lamina and the true vocal cord. This medializes the paralyzed cord to improve phonation and swallowing. The paraglottic space also communicates with the pre-epiglottic space superiorly and is clinically important in laryngeal cancer spread, as tumors in this space can escape the larynx. The pre-epiglottic space is anterior to the epiglottis.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.