Arytenoid Dislocation

The reported incidence of arytenoid cartilage dislocation is low. This may be due to the wide range and orientation of motion allowed by the cricoarytenoid articulation and the laxity of its joint capsule. In two previously reported instances of arytenoid dislocation, the authors have suggested that endotracheal intubation is generally not sufficient to cause dislocation of an arytenoid cartilage, but that, in their cases, a predisposing factor had set the occasion for dislocation. In this communication, three cases of arytenoid cartilage dislocation, which each followed a single instance of endotracheal intubation are presented. In all three cases, painful swallowing was the main presenting symptom. Clinical features that differentiate arytenoid cartilage dislocation from vocal cord paresis are summarized. Early reduction of the dislocation, while the patient is under local anesthesia, is recommended, and the techniques are described in detail.