A case of arytenoid cartilage dislocation following laryngeal mask insertion

Abstract

Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a device used to secure the airway that was first reported by Brain in 1983. It is currently used clinically as an extremely useful device for securing the airway for difficult intubations and emergency resuscitation. We encountered a case of right arytenoid cartilage dislocation that occurred after the airway was secured using an LMA, which is said to cause less damage to the larynx. On the 25th postoperative day (post-injury), right arytenoid cartilage dislocation reduction surgery was performed under general anesthesia with good results. An early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are important because many of the causes of arytenoid cartilage dislocation are iatrogenic (e.g., tracheal intubation), and because irreversible changes may occur over time.