Arytenoid Dislocation

Abstract

Arytenoid dislocation is a rare complication of endotracheal intubation and blunt trauma. Respiratory distress is the most significant complication of dislocation. Eleven cases of this unusual entity have been described previously. 1–8 Of these only three have been associated with significant airway compromise. In each case the onset of respiratory distress occurred within 4 hours of extubation and necessitated tracheostomy. 7,8 We describe a case of arytenoid dislocation that precipitated respiratory distress 40 hours after extubation and provide a complete review of the literature.