Sławomir Marszałek

Assessment of the influence of osteopathic myofascial techniques on normalization of the vocal tract functions in patients with occupational dysphonia.

ObjectivesOccupational voice disorders are accompanied by increased tension of the external laryngeal muscle which changes the position of the larynx and consequently disturbs the conditions of functioning of the vocal tract. The aim of the study is to assess the use of osteopathic procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of occupational dysphonia.Material and MethodsStudy subjects included 40 teachers with chronic diseases of the voice organ (38 women and 2 men) aged from 39 to 59 (mean age: 48.25). Before and after the voice therapy the osteopathic examination according to Libermann’s protocol was performed as well as phoniatric examination including laryngovideostroboscopy (LVSS), assessment of the maximum phonation time (MPT) and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score. The voice therapy, scheduled and supervised by a laryngologist-phoniatrician and conducted by a speech-language pathologist, was supplemented with osteopathic myofascial rehabilitation of the larynx. The chi-square McNemar test and non-parametric Wilcoxon matched pairs test were applied in the statistical assessment.ResultsThe applied interdisciplinary treatment including osteopathic and vocal therapy resulted in a statistically significant decrease in tenderness of muscles raising the larynx (cricothyroid ligament, sternocleidomastoid muscles, and pharyngeal constrictor muscles) and in lowering the tonus (geniohyoid muscles, pharyngeal constrictor muscles and sternocleidomastoid muscles). A significant improvement was also observed in the case of dysfunction of the cricothyroid joint examined during glissando and yawning, as well as in asymmetry of the thyrohyoid apparatus. Moreover, the therapy resulted in significantly better normalization of the head position and better control of the centre of gravity of the body. Statistically significant post-therapy improvement was observed in the phoniatric examination, including VHI scores, MPT results and parameters of videostroboscopic examination.ConclusionsThe use of osteopathic therapy helps significantly improve the functions of the vocal tract in patients with occupational dysphonia.

Estimation of influence of myofascial release techniques on esophageal pressure in patients after total laryngectomy.

In patients after total laryngectomy, increased tension in myofascial neck and arm areas might be observed. Via fascial continuity it has an adverse impact on the superior esophageal constrictor forming the “mouth of the oesophagus”, which hinders learning of esophageal speech. The aim is to assess the effect of manual myofascial release techniques on esophageal pressure in patients after total laryngectomy. Forty patients (12 F, 28 M), aged 43–75 (mean 56.8 years), 9 months to 13 years (average 3 years) after total laryngectomy, 35 patients (87.5%) after neck lymph node resection, 38 patients (95%) after radiotherapy. Esophageal pressure was assessed using modified Seeman’s method. Manual myofascial release techniques were applied within head, neck, arms, upper trunk and upper limb areas. Wilcoxon and Shapiro–Wilk’s test was used for the purpose of statistical analysis. Statistically significant decrease of the mean esophageal pressure was observed after the physiotherapy treatment. The average pressure among the examined patients decreased from 37.9 to 26.6 mmHg. The application of myofascial manual techniques decreases esophageal pressure, thus allowing patients to learn esophagus speech at a faster pace.

Analysis of selected recurrence risk factors after treatment of head and neck basal cell carcinoma

Introduction Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of non-melanoma malignant skin tumors. Eighty-five percent of all cases are located on the skin of the head and neck. The risk of recurrence after surgery is estimated at 5–15%. Aim To evaluate the selected risk factors for recurrence after surgical treatment of head and neck BCC at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery in the Greater Poland Cancer Centre of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Material and methods A retrospective analysis was made of patients treated at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery in the Greater Poland Cancer Centre of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences in 2007–2012 for BCC of the head and neck region. The study covered 312 patients: 198 males (63%) and 114 females (37%), aged 32–96 years. Results In the study group of 312 tumors, recurrence after initial treatment in this Centre was diagnosed in 18 patients (9%), whereas in patients who were previously operated elsewhere, recurrence was found in 22 cases (17%). The nodular type was the most common BCC type in the study group and concerned 175 patients (56%). The most numerous group (114; 37%) in this study group comprised patients with external nose and cheek tumors. Conclusions The importance of preoperative biopsy to assess the histological type as a routine treatment of patients with BCC is essential. Ultrasound evaluation to assess the exact size and depth of tumor invasion should also be implemented.

Zastosowanie manualnych technik fizjoterapeutycznych w rehabilitacji dysfonii pourazowej

UNLABELLED As a result of laryngeal injures an abnormal phonation is frequently observed. It is the consequence of structural and functional changes of the laryngeal tissues directly and indirectly responsible for the voice emission. Physiotherapy enables the normalization of the tension and function of the anatomical structures changed after trauma. THE AIM OF THE STUDY Presentation of the results of the physiotherapy and voice rehabilitation treatment established for patient with voice disorders, occurred after cranio-cerebral trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS The 47 year old man two years after cranio-cerebral trauma was presented, which voice was hoarse, produced with a strong neck and shoulder girdle muscle tension. Phonation time was significantly shortened. During the manual examination the abnormal of mobility, range of movement and soft tissue tension in neck, head and upper trunk area has been observed. The systematic rehabilitation program was started 2 years after injury and it was continued for four months. The individual program contains physiotherapy, osteopathic and speech therapy treatment. The phoniatric examination was performed before and after rehabilitation RESULTS After four months of treatment and after self-therapy exercises the significant changes were observed. Patients voice became no more strain, but stronger and socially effective. CONCLUSIONS The application of an individual therapy which contained osteopathic manual muscle-fascial techniques allows a subjective and objective improvement of voice in a examined patient. This procedure is an effective complement to logopedic and phoniatric therapy for patients after trauma of the larynx.Summary As a result of laryngeal injures an abnormal phonation is frequently observed. It is the consequence of structural and functional changes of the laryngeal tissues directly and indirectly responsible for the voice emission. Physiotherapy enables the normalization of the tension and function of the anatomical structures changed after trauma. The aim of the study Presentation of the results of the physiotherapy and voice rehabilitation treatment established for patient with voice disorders, occurred after cranio-cerebral trauma. Material and Methods The 47 year old man two years after cranio-cerebral trauma was presented, which voice was hoarse, produced with a strong neck and shoulder girdle muscle tension. Phonation time was significantly shortened. During the manual examination the abnormal of mobility, range of movement and soft tissue tension in neck, head and upper trunk area has been observed. The systematic rehabilitation program was started 2 years after injury and it was continued for four months. The individual program contains physiotherapy, osteopathic and speech therapy treatment. The phoniatric examination was performed before and after rehabilitation Results After four months of treatment and after self-therapy exercises the significant changes were observed. Patients voice became no more strain, but stronger and socially effective. Conclusions The application of an individual therapy which contained osteopathic manual muscle-fascial techniques allows a subjective and objective improvement of voice in a examined patient. This procedure is an effective complement to logopedic and phoniatric therapy for patients after trauma of the larynx.

Wpływ manualnych technik mięśniowo-powięziowych na poziom ciśnienia przełykowego u chorych po całkowitym usunięciu krtani

Summary The increase of patients after total laryngectomy myofascial neck and arms area tension might be observed. Via fascial continuity it has an adverse impact on superior oesophageal constrictor, forming the “mouth of oesophagus”, which hinders learning oesophagus speech. The aim The assessment of manual myofascial release techniques influence on the patients’ oesophagus pressure after total laryngectomy. Material 40 patients (12 F, 28 M), aged 43–75 (middle 56,8 years), 9 months to 13 years (average 3 years) after total laryngectomy, 35 patients (87.5%) after neck lymph nodes resection, 38 patients (95%) after radiotherapy. Methods The oesophagus pressure was checked by modified Seemans method. Manual myofascial release techniques were applied within head, neck, arms, upper trunk and upper limbs area. Wilcoxon and Shapiro-Wilks test was used for the purpose of statistical analysis. Results A statistical significant decrease of the mean of oesophagus pressure was observed after physiotherapy treatment. The average pressure among the examined group decreased from 37,9 to 26,6 mm Hg. Conclusions The application of myofascial manual techniques decreased an oesophagus pressure which allows patients to obtain faster oesophagus speech.

Rekonstrukcja części szyjnej przełyku techniką gastric pull-up w przebiegu wznowy raka gardła dolnego i krtani ☆

Patient with hypopharyngeal cancer are difficult to treat because they usually present with advanced disease, poor general health status and severe nutritional problems. Because of the poor prognosis, careful consideration has to be given regarding the choice of the correct surgical approach for respirato-digestive tract reconstruction. The authors present a case of recurrent hypopharyngeal cancer with cervical esophagus infiltration successfully treated with total laryngectomy and esophagectomy and gastric pull up reconstruction. Indications for technique, method of reconstruction and complications are, discussed. As most authors we consider the gastric transposition method as the preferred approach to restore digestive continuity after total esophagectomy. As the method is the single stage procedure it provides the best palliation of dysphagia and allows early resumption of an oral diet.Summary Patient with hypopharyngeal cancer are difficult to treat because they usually present with advanced disease, poor general health status and severe nutritional problems. Because of the poor prognosis, careful consideration has to be given regarding the choice of the correct surgical approach for respirato-digestive tract reconstruction. The authors present a case of recurrent hypopharyngeal cancer with cervical esophagus infiltration successfully treated with total laryngectomy and esophagectomy and gastric pull up reconstruction. Indications for technique, method of reconstruction and complications are discussed. As most authors we consider the gastric transposition method as the preferred approach to restore digestive continuity after total esophagectomy. As the method is the single stage procedure it provides the best palliation of dysphagia and allows early resumption of an oral diet.