Uncommon injuries of the larynx following intubation. Recurrent paralysis, torsion and luxation of the cricoarytenoid joints

19 laryngeal injuries are reported. 16 were secondary to orotracheal intubation and 3 were sequelae of gastroscopy, laryngoscopy and a nasogastric tube. In 6 patients, the trauma followed prolonged nasotracheal intubation, 10 cases followed a single endotracheal intubation. The main symptom was hoarseness. In 6 cases dislocation of an arytenoid cartilage was diagnosed, in 1 case a vocal cord paresis and in the other cases contusion or distortion of the arytenoid joint. In the cases of subluxation the arytenoid cartilage was dislocated posterolaterally, with the cord in the abducted position. For treatment we recommend closed reduction and injection of Cortison-Crystal-suspension into the joint. The outcome is good after single endotracheal intubation, but bad in prolonged nasotracheal intubation because of ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint.