In the modern laryngological practice, videostroboscopy is an essential diagnostic procedure for the detection of vocal pathology. Many voice clinicians believe that performing successful voice surgery is as dependent on stroboscopy as otology is dependent on audiometry or microscopy. Laryngologists recognize the vibratory pattern of the vocal folds as one of the most crucial determinants of voice quality and production. As such, videostroboscopy is the most accessible and clinically relevant technique in the otolaryngologist's armamentarium to readily assess this important parameter.
Results have important implications for both the diagnosis and treatment of phonatory pathology.
Over the past 3 decades, knowledge of vocal fold anatomy and physiology has revolutionized the clinical practice of laryngology. Since Hirano's original description of the layered microanatomy of the human vocal fold in the 1970s, increasingly sophisticated diagnostic and surgical techniques have evolved to more appropriately address this delicate and complex structure. Innovative diagnostic modalities have grown out of an improved understanding of the critical importance of vocal fold oscillation to voice production. Videostroboscopy has evolved as one of the most practical and useful techniques for the clinical evaluation of vocal fold vibration. Videostroboscopy fulfills several important requirements of a complete voice examination.