Clinical Study of 7 Cases of Arytenoid Dislocation and a Divice in Reposition

Abstract

Arytenoid cartilage dislocation is a relatively rare condition, and as such, its diagnosis and treatment are not standardized. A retrospective review was conducted on the charts of 7 cases (5 male and 2 female) with arytenoid cartilage dislocation in our hospital. It was found that dislocation occurred during the process of endotracheal intubation in 6 cases, but the cause for 1 case was unknown. Self-correction occurred in 4 cases, 2 patients underwent corrective surgery, and 1 case did not appear again.
There are several possible methods of repositioning the dislocated arytenoid cartilage, but convalescence is difficult in many cases. Improvement may become evident as late as 2 to 3 weeks after treatment. In some cases, arytenoid cartilage inflammation and elongation of the joint capsule delay recovery.
Although the outcome of corrective surgery for this condition is not guaranteed, we have developed a technique to assist and expedite patient recovery. Protecting the palate with cotton balls improves the course of convalescence and surgical outcome of arytenoid dislocation. This technique was used with one patient suffering from arytenoid cartilage dislocation. The hoarseness characteristic of this condition was reduced immediately after the operation, and had improved markedly over the following 6 days. This technique is useful in surgical correction of arytenoid cartilage dislocation.