cricothyroid myotomy
Pronunciation: kry-ko-THY-roid my-AH-to-mee
Surgical division of the cricothyroid muscle to lower vocal pitch, sometimes performed during thyroid surgery.
Full Definition
Cricothyroid myotomy is a surgical procedure involving division of the cricothyroid muscle, which is responsible for vocal cord tension and pitch control. In the context of endocrine surgery, this procedure may be performed intentionally during thyroidectomy to achieve voice feminization in transgender patients, or may occur inadvertently through injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN). The procedure results in loss of ability to increase vocal pitch and may cause voice fatigue, particularly affecting professional voice users.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from cricothyrotomy, which is an emergency airway procedure.
In Context
- "Intentional cricothyroid myotomy was performed as part of voice feminization surgery." — operative report
- "Inadvertent cricothyroid myotomy occurred due to EBSLN injury during superior pole dissection." — complication note