Types of sulcus vocalis
Sulcus vocalis can be classified into 3 types as described by Ford etal.
Type I: Also known as physiologic sulcus. This type consists of subtle depressions along the vocal fold medial edge. It is defined as a longitudinal depression that extends within the superficial lamina propria without actually involving the vocal ligament perse.
It also demonstrates no histopathological abnormalities.
Video stroboscopy shows mild abnormality in the mucosal wave.
Type II: Vergeture - is defined as more extensive longitudinal invagination that extends into the vocal ligament involving loss of superficial lamina propria.
Video stroboscopy shows moderate changes in the mucosal wave pattern.
Type III: Classic sulcus vocalis. It is defined as a a focal pit that extends beyond the vocal ligament into the thyroarytenoid muscle. This type is characterized by tissue loss in the lamina propria.
Video stroboscopy shows gross changes in the mucosal wave pattern.
