Three-dimensional Imaging of High-resolution Computer Tomography of Singers' Larynges—A Pilot Study

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• 作者：Alexandra Vorik^* ; Fabian Unteregger^* ; Salome Zwicky^&dagger ; ; Julia Schiwowa^&dagger ; ; Silke Potthast^&Dagger ; ; Claudio Storck^* ; ^{claudio.storck@usb.ch}
• 关键词：Biomechanics ; Larynx ; MIMICS ; Singer ; 3D
• 刊名：Journal of Voice
• 出版年：2017
• 出版时间：January 2017
• 年：2017
• 卷：31
• 期：1
• 页码：115.e17-115.e21
• 全文大小：697 K
• 卷排序：31

文摘

Biplanar imaging technique is not sufficient for an exact visualization and evaluation of the laryngeal biomechanics during speaking or singing. The aim of this pilot study was to test a 3D-visualization software MIMICS (Materialize Interactive Medical Image Control System, Materialize, Leuven, Belgium) for visualizing laryngeal cartilages and resonance space of living humans during singing based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and analyzing the biomechanics thereof.Study DesignThis is a prospective pilot study.MethodsA total of 10 professional female singers (five sopranos and five altos) was scanned with HRCT in three singing positions fundamental frequency (ƒo), first octave (ƒo+1 8va) and second octave (ƒo+2 8va).ResultsAll relevant laryngeal structures and resonance space could be 3D visualized. Superimposing the different HRCT scans showed an inward rotation and rocking of the arytenoid cartilages from ƒo+1 8va to ƒo+2 8va and a backward tilting of the cricoid cartilage from ƒo+1 8va to ƒo+2 8va. Moreover, we could demonstrate a vocal fold elongation of 13% from ƒo to ƒo+1 8va and an additional elongation from ƒo+1 8va to ƒo+2 8va of 10% in type A cricothyroid joints (CTJ) A and 4% in CTJ's type B/C. There were no significant differences between sopranos and altos in all parameters (length of the glottis, subglottic diameter, distance between anterior commissure and cervical spine, and CTJ distribution).ConclusionsThis noninvasive 3D-visualization technique with MIMICS allows the anatomical structures and landmarks of the larynx to be analyzed. We believe that this pilot study will serve as a basis for further biomechanical studies on speakers' and singers' larynges.