Ultrasonic Pin Placement for Resorbable Rigid Fixation of a Thyroid Cartilage Fracture
Claudia Gutierrez1, Andrew Zaninovich2, Rebecca Vozzo3
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Objective:
To present the first use of an ultrasonic pin resorbable plate fixation system for rigid fixation of a laryngeal fracture.
Methods:
Presentation of a 20-year-old male with a high velocity injury to his neck, via a lacrosse ball, resulting in a displaced laryngeal cartilage fracture.
Results:
Intraoperatively, a Poly-D, L-Lactic Acid (PDLLA) polymer plate was contoured in-situ, bridging the fracture, and secured with ultrasonically placed resorbable pins. He was extubated on post-op day one and had return to vocal baseline one-month post-op.
Conclusion:
Ultrasonic pin placement systems for resorbable rigid fixation of a thyroid cartilage fracture optimizes recovery of respiratory and phonatory functions. Laryngoscope, 133:1470-1472, 2023.
