Spontaneous arytenoid dislocation and crico-arytenoid instability

Arytenoid dislocation is a rare occurrence, for which the pathophysiology is still unclear.

We report here an unusual case of spontaneous arytenoid dislocation, which casts doubts on the prevailing classical theory of hemarthrosis.

This case and a review of the literature suggest that arytenoid dislocation could be linked to congenital or acquired arytenoid instability, thus facilitating arytenoid dislocation after even minor trauma. Once the diagnosis is established, we recommend to first attempt reduction, followed by speech therapy, though underlying diseases should be researched.