Using hyaluronic acid for improving vocal function in a prepubescent boy with an atrophied right vocal fold

Objectives: A single case study is reported of a child who underwent several surgical procedures as result of congenital grade III subglottic stenosis. The anterior aspect of the right vocal cord was damaged and underwent atrophy during one of these procedures. Now an active 10 year old, the patient has become increasingly aware of his vocal limitations on functional activities. Injection of hyaluronic acid into the vocal folds has been known to provide improved voice quality in adults though there are no known cases reported of this procedure in children.

Methods: This paper reports voice outcomes following injection of hyaluronic acid into the Reinke’s space in a single case study. Voice recordings were made pre, post and one month following injection. The voice recordings were subject to acoustic and perceptual analysis.

Results: Post and follow up voice recordings demonstrate decreased jitter, shimmer and harmonics to noise ratio. Perceptual evaluation indicates improved voice quality.

Conclusion: Injection of hyaluronic acid in children who require voice augmentation is possible and may contribute to increased vocal function and improved voice outcomes.