Bowing of the vocal cords

This is a descriptive term to specify that the vocal cords are not matching in a straight line, with only a thin dark line between them at the moment of pre-phonation. Instead, the cords become gently concave or bowed outwards. At the moment of pre-phonation, there is a wider, oval slit between the cords.

Bowing can be physiologic, asymptomatic, and a genetic “given.” In this physiologic type, the bowing will be subtle to mild and there will be good vibratory pattern. When moderate or severe, bowing may more likely be the result of aging, vocal disuse, Parkinson’s disease, or other conditions. Moderate and severe bowing correlate with a degree of vocal cord atrophy and the vibratory pattern can be more flaccid. The voice tends to have a soft-edged quality and to fade with use. Voice building is the primary treatment, but very occasionally severe bowing is treated with bilateral vocal cord implants.