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).