[Dislocation of the cricoarytenoid joint: diagnosis and therapy]

Abstract

Background: Laryngeal joint injury or cricoarytenoid dislocation is a relatively rare laryngologic finding, according to the international medical literature. It may occur as a result of external neck trauma or more frequently as a result of intubation. Chief symptoms are hoarseness, vocal fatigue, and loss of voice control.

Patients: Between 1993 and 1997 we diagnosed an arytenoid dislocation in 2 female and 5 male patients, in every case the etiology was an intubation trauma. Videolaryngoscopic recording was the most useful aid in diagnosis.

Results: Six patients were treated with closed reduction surgery between 8 and 49 days after dislocations. Normal voice was restored in four patients, and in one patient as late as 49 days after the dislocation. One patient had an additional recurrent nerve paralysis.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that a closed reduction of the arytenoid luxation can be successful even several weeks after the injury.