OTO: Voice Outcomes following a Single Office-Based Steroid Injection for Vocal Fold Scar

This podcast highlights original research published in the November 2016 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Persistent dysphonia from vocal fold scar remains a clinical challenge, with current therapies providing inconsistent outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate voice outcomes after a single office-based steroid injection. Office-based steroid injection combined with voice therapy for mild/moderate vocal fold scar is associated with improved patient-reported and functional voice measures. These findings provide preliminary support for this approach. Importantly, the procedure is low risk and can be performed in the office, thus offering a simple treatment alternative to patients with a disorder that has traditionally been difficult to manage. Prospective studies evaluating the effects of multiple injections are warranted.   Click here to read the full article.