Management of Arytenoid Dislocation in Anesthesia
Summary
Arytenoid dislocation is an uncommon but potentially debilitating complication of airway manipulation during anaesthesia. It involves displacement of the arytenoid cartilage from its normal articulation with the cricoid, leading to impaired vocal fold mobility, hoarseness and, in severe cases, airway compromise. Recognition demands a high index of suspicion when patients present with persistent immediate postoperative dysphonia or respiratory distress. Early diagnosis typically relies on flexible laryngoscopy, supplemented by imaging modalities such as computed tomography or ultrasonography to confirm displacement and rule out fracture. Management strategies centre on reduction of the displaced cartilage, which may be achieved via closed techniques under local or general anaesthesia, or, in refractory cases, open surgical repair. Timing is critical: reductions performed within two weeks of injury yield the highest rates of functional recovery, whereas delays can lead to fibrosis and permanent vocal cord immobility. Multidisciplinary collaboration between anaesthetists, otolaryngologists and speech therapists underpins successful outcomes, with postoperative voice therapy and close follow-up essential to monitor recovery and address residual deficits.
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Management of Arytenoid Dislocation in Anesthesia publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in management of arytenoid dislocation in anesthesia across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Arytenoid dislocation: Displacement of the arytenoid cartilage from the cricoarytenoid joint, often following endotracheal intubation.
Closed reduction: Non-surgical manipulation technique to reposition the dislocated arytenoid under anaesthesia.
Subluxation: Partial displacement of the arytenoid cartilage allowing some residual joint contact, distinct from full dislocation.
Flexible laryngoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the larynx using a thin, flexible fibre-optic scope.
Point-of-care ultrasonography: Bedside ultrasound examination performed by the clinician to assess laryngeal structures in real time.
References
- Optimal Timing and Treatment Modalities of Arytenoid Dislocation and Subluxation: A Meta-Analysis. Medicina (2025).
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