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True vocal cord (VC) paralysis signifies loss of active movement of the “true” VC, or vocal fold (VF), secondary to disruption of the motor innervation of the larynx. Disruption of innervation may occur along the length of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and the vagi and may include damage to the motor nuclei of the vagus. It should be differentiated from fixation of the VC secondary to direct infiltration of the VF, larynx, or laryngeal muscles. It should also be distinguished from fixation at the cricoarytenoid joint, encountered with rheumatoid arthritis or following traumatic intubation.
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The site of disruption of the nerve supply leads to a characteristic pattern in the position of the VC. However, distinguishing between recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and VC paralysis secondary to disruption of the vagus nerve can be difficult.
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Table 34–1 summarizes the main causes of VC paralysis in adults. Once the cause of the VC paralysis is ascertained, the next stage is to consider the rehabilitation and treatment of the patient depending on his or her symptoms.
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The relevant anatomy of the larynx is best understood in terms of the muscles producing abduction and adduction of the VC and their nerve supply. All the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, except the cricothyroid muscle, which is supplied by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, are supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The sole abductor of the VC is the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. Table 34–2 provides a summary of the relevant laryngeal musculature and its innervation.
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To understand the causes of VC paralysis, it is important to understand the pathways of the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves. The course of the vagi in both sides of the head and neck is identical, but the recurrent laryngeal nerves differ significantly in their course once they leave the vagus.
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The nuclei lie in the upper medulla and give rise to 8 to 10 rootlets that lie between the glossopharyngeal nerve superiorly and the spinal root of the accessory nerve inferiorly. The muscles of the pharynx, upper esophagus, larynx, and palate are all supplied by motor fibers originating in the nucleus ...