Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Learning Modern Laryngeal Surgery in a Dissection Laboratory
Published on: March 18, 2020
Pediatric arytenoid dislocation: diagnosis and treatment
Andrew S Mallon1, Joel E Portnoy2, Tré Landrum1
1Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Insights
Pediatric arytenoid dislocation, often caused by intubation trauma, presents with hoarseness and other vocal symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal voice recovery in children.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Vocal Cord Disorders
Background:
- Arytenoid dislocation/subluxation is documented in adults but underreported in children.
- Common causes include intubation trauma and external blunt force.
- Symptoms range from hoarseness and vocal fatigue to breathing difficulties and swallowing issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of pediatric arytenoid dislocation.
- To highlight the importance of early detection and intervention in pediatric cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 11 pediatric patients with arytenoid dislocation.
- Analysis of presenting symptoms, etiology, treatment modalities, and voice outcomes.
- Review of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Mean patient age was 12.3 years; hoarseness was the most common symptom (81.8%).
- Six patients had surgical correction, one had voice therapy, and four refused treatment.
- Surgical outcomes included one normal voice, four substantial improvements, and one slight improvement.
- Two patients who refused surgery experienced spontaneous reduction.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric arytenoid dislocation symptoms mimic adult presentations but may be subtler.
- A high index of suspicion is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Prompt intervention offers the best prognosis, while delayed treatment risks scarring and ankylosis.
Abstract:
Arytenoid dislocation and subluxation are well-described injuries in adults but are poorly documented in children. The most commonly cited etiology is intubation trauma although external blunt trauma also is recognized. Symptoms include dysphonia, vocal fatigue, loss of vocal control, breathiness, odynophagia, dysphagia, dyspnea, and cough. Prompt diagnosis and treatment lead to the best chance for recovery, and delayed treatment is likely to result in scarring and possibly ankylosis. The mean age of our study group was 12.3 years and consisted of six males (55%) and five females (45%). The most commonly presenting symptom was hoarseness (81.8%). Six of the 11 patients underwent surgical correction of the dislocated arytenoid cartilage. Four patients refused any treatment and one patient received voice therapy alone. Two patients who refused surgical intervention had spontaneous reduction of their dislocations. After surgical intervention, one patient regained normal voice, four patients had substantial voice improvement without return to preinjury vocal function, and one patient had only slight voice improvement. Pediatric symptoms are similar to these in adults, yet these may be less noticeable to the patient and clinician. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose and treat pediatric arytenoid dislocation.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:21Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
01:22Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...