[Arytenoid cartilage dislocation caused by endotracheal intubation which resolved spontaneously]

Arytenoid cartilage dislocation following tracheal intubation is a rare complication. A 48-year-old man underwent an operation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Although no anaesthetic or operative problem had occurred, hoarseness was noticed after the operation, continuing beyond 25 days thereafter. He was referred to a laryngologist. Left anterior arytenoid dislocation was diagnosed using fiberoptic laryngoscopy. About four weeks later, the arytenoid cartilage dislocation resolved spontaneously. Other findings suggest that spontaneous reduction can be expected in many patients with anterior arytenoid dislocation. Patients suffering from arytenoid cartilage dislocation should be observed for several weeks if possible because there exist some reports in the literature describing spontaneous resolution after its dislocation.