A comparative study on the close reduction of arytenoid dislocation under indirect and direct laryngoscope

Current management of arytenoid sub-luxation and dislocation

PURPOSE

To review the current management of arytenoid subluxation/dislocation (AS/AD) focusing on diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic controversies.

METHODS

The international literature of the last 20 years has been considered. After the application of inclusion criteria, 20 studies were selected (471 AS/AD cases in total).

RESULTS

All the included investigations were retrospective case series. AS/AD was often iatrogenic occurring at least in 0.01% of patients undergone endo-tracheal intubation. The most common symptom was persistent hoarseness. The diagnosis was made by video-laryngoscopy and neck computed tomography in most reports, while some used also laryngeal electromyography. Laryngeal electromyography was fundamental to rule out unilateral vocal fold paralysis, the main differential diagnosis. The surgical relocation of AS/AD under general or local anesthesia was achieved in about 80% of patients.

CONCLUSION

AS/AD is a mechanical disorder of the larynx that can be successfully treated if promptly diagnosed. Clinical trials and multi-centric studies are necessary to set management guidelines.

Treatment outcomes of closed reduction of arytenoid dislocation

CONCLUSION

Closed reduction is an effective and safe treatment method for arytenoid dislocation. Early closed reduction of arytenoid cartilage plays an important role in voice recovery.

OBJECTIVE

The study reviewed the clinical characteristics of arytenoid dislocation with the aim of identifying factors influencing voice recovery in the closed reduction of arytenoid dislocation.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed at Chonnam National University Hospital for the period from January 2007 to March 2012.

RESULTS

Eleven patients with arytenoid dislocation were identified. The causes of arytenoid dislocation were intubation (n = 9) and blunt trauma (n = 2). All cases of arytenoid dislocations were treated by closed reduction. There were no major complications resulting from surgical intervention. Six of the 11 patients (54.5%) regained normal voice and vocal fold movement after closed reduction. Five patients (45.5%) had significant voice improvement postoperatively. In arytenoid dislocation due to blunt trauma, the duration between injury and voice improvement was much longer than in other causes of arytenoid dislocation (p = 0.012).

Arytenoid dislocation: An analysis of the contemporary literature

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To discuss the incidence, diagnosis, laryngeal findings, and management of arytenoid dislocation as a separate entity from vocal fold paralysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

METHODS

A contemporary review of the literature was performed by searching the terms arytenoid cartilage dislocation and subluxation in various combinations. Articles were analyzed and selected based on relevance and content.

RESULTS

Arytenoid dislocation is described as an uncommon laryngeal finding associated with intubation or blunt laryngeal trauma. The majority of recent publications are case reports or small case series. Diagnosis of arytenoid dislocation with flexible laryngoscopy, helical computed tomography, videostroboscopy, and laryngeal electromyography is recommended. In most reported cases, diagnosis has been made based on the position of the arytenoid at laryngoscopy. Reduction and repositioning of the arytenoid cartilage is reported with limited success noted with delayed diagnosis. Speech therapy may also be a beneficial treatment option.

CONCLUSIONS

Although arytenoid dislocation is reported in the literature, the body of available evidence fails to sufficiently differentiate it as a separate entity from unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Flexible laryngoscopy is inadequate as a standalone procedure to distinguish arytenoid dislocation from laryngeal nerve injury.