Configuration of elastin fibers in the intra- and extra-capsule ligaments of the elderly cricoarytenoid joint.

PURPOSE: To define the localization and configuration of the elastic fibers of the cricoarytenoid ligament (CAL) and their relationship with the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) capsule. METHODS: Twenty-four CAJs from twelve cadavers were analyzed using Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining, and immunohistochemistry methods. This is a prospective study. RESULTS: The CAL was classified into two parts: an extra-capsular anterior-CAL and an intra-capsular posterior-CAL. The both parts contained rich elastic fibers. The elastic fibers of the anterior-CAL were orientated in both anterior-posterior and superior-inferior directions and under a relaxation status, whereas the elastic fibers of the posterior-CAL were arranged in a lateral-medial direction and under a taut status. CONCLUSIONS: This study defined the fine configuration of the CAL, particularly its elastic fibers, which may help us to better understand the biomechanics of the CAJ motions, and differential diagnosis of CAJ disorders. The results of the study re-confirm that the P-CAL is the key posterior-lateral passive force to limit the mobility of the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage and stabilize the CAJ, whereas the A-CAL may protect the CAJ from an over superior-lateral-posterior motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: H/A.

Functional outcomes after transoral CO2 laser treatment for posterior glottic stenosis: a bicentric case series.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate functional outcomes in terms of decannulation rate and quality of life of patients affected by PGS (Grades I-IV) treated only by transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TOLMS) in two tertiary centers. METHODS: An observational retrospective study was carried out, enrolling 22 patients affected by PGS who were treated by a transoral approach at two tertiary referral centers. Surgical treatment included TOLMS with tailored laser resection of the scar tissue combined with posterior cordotomy, resurfacing of the raw area with mucosal microflap, or placement of a Montgomery T-tube or Keel stent. All patients were evaluated and staged preoperatively and postoperatively, at least 6 months after the surgery. Functional outcomes were objectively evaluated by the Airway-Dysphonia-Voice-Swallowing (ADVS) staging system, Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30), and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaires. RESULTS: Quality of life significantly improved as measured by the VHI-30 questionnaire with a median variation of - 31.0 (p = 0.003), the EAT-10 with a median variation of - 4.0 (p = 0.042), and the ADVS with a median variation of - 3.5 (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in swallowing scores. We were able to decannulate 7 of 9 patients (almost 80%) with previous tracheotomy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, even if there is still no general agreement on an exact therapeutic algorithm to treat PGS, our results confirm that transoral surgery, in terms of scar tissue removal, combined in selected patients with posterior cordotomy and pedicled local flaps and/or placement of stents, represents a safe and effective surgical approach even for more severe PGS.

Characteristics, natural evolution and surgical treatment outcomes of unilateral laryngeal paralysis versus ankylosis: A longitudinal cohort study.

AIMS: Although unilateral laryngeal immobility (ULI) can results from paralysis or ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint, no comparative study exists to date. Aim of this study was to compare clinical features, aetiologies, spontaneous recovery and evolution after surgical treatment of ULI according to its mechanism. METHODOLOGY: Longitudinal observational cohort study between 1992 and 2017 in a tertiary care referral centre and university teaching hospital. All adult patients with isolated ULI were included. Presenting symptoms and demographic data were recorded at baseline. During follow-up, natural recovery and, if a surgical treatment was performed, treatment failure rate were noted. RESULTS: 994 patients were included, 56.4% of male and with a mean age of 58 years. Overall, 91% had paralysis and 9% had ankylosis. Dysphonia was the main symptom in both groups (>96%). Dyspnoea was more frequent in patients with ankylosis (26.1% vs 4.2% in those with paralysis) whereas dysphagia was more frequent in those with paralysis (31.1% vs 20% in those with ankylosis). With a mean follow-up of 2.3 years (±5.1), spontaneous recovery did not differ according to ULI's aetiology (hazard ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 0.85-2.40). Overall, 37.1% underwent a surgical treatment, and paralysis was associated with a lower odd of treatment failure (hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.10-0.70) over a mean follow-up of 3.1 years (±4.1). CONCLUSION: ULI resulting from paralysis or ankylosis differ in their symptoms and responses to surgical treatment, whereas natural evolution was similar.

Cricoarytenoid Articulation in Elderly Japanese With Special Reference to Morphology of the Synovial Tissue.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify composite fibers and cells in the synovial tissues of the cricoarytenoid joint (CA joint). METHODS: Routine histology and immunohistrochemistry using sagittal or nearly sagittal sections obtained from 18 elderly cadaveric specimens. RESULTS: The CA joint capsule was thin and contained few elastic fibers. A limited supportive ligament, namely, a thickened fascia of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles, was sometimes evident on the lateral aspect of the CA joint. However, even in the weaker medial aspect of the joint, no marked destruction of the synovial tissues was found. The CA joint always contained synovial folds--a short medial fold and long lateral folds--but these contained no or few macrophages, lymphocytes, and blood capillaries. In 2 exceptional specimens showing inflammatory cell infiltration in the submucosal tissue of the larynx, the macrophage-rich area extended toward the capsule and medial synovial fold. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral aspect of the CA joint was likely to be supported mechanically by the muscle-associated tissues. Strong support of the arytenoid by muscles might reduce the degree of CA joint injury with age. However, some patients with hoarseness due to mucosal inflammation of the larynx might have accompanying synovitis and subsequent cartilage injury in the CA joint.

Bilateral Cricoarytenoid Arthritis: A Cause of Recurrent Upper Airway Obstruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

We report a case of bilateral cricoarytenoid joint arthritis with history of rheumatoid arthritis, presented with stridor to the outpatient department. Endolaryngoscopy revealed adducted vocal cords and a nodule over left arytenoid which later confirmed to be rheumatoid nodule on histopathologic examination. Initially, although patient responded well to medical treatment, recurrence was noticed after 6 months follow-up.

Mobility of the arytenoid cartilage in glottic carcinoma: a CT image study.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal carcinomas cause vocal cord (VC) mobility problems. Other than evaluation through flexible laryngoscopy, rare reports concerning CT findings for the motion of the VC or arytenoid cartilage (AC) are found. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To explore a novel evaluation of the mobility of the AC in glottic carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 39 patients with glottic carcinoma grouped upon lesion locations and AC mobilities, laryngeal CT scans were collected during inspiration and phonation. AC static position and motion data were compared between paired lesion and control sides. RESULTS: No significant difference showed in the group with glottic carcinoma invading the anterior 2/3 of VC. In the abnormal mobility group, significant AC position changes and weaker motion of most measurements were proved on the lesion side. Lesion invading the posterior 1/3 of VC also resulted in an adducted, medially rotated and forward-tilted AC, rotation of axial angle (RAA) was the only motion item that decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: In most glottic cancer cases, CT and laryngoscope had similar judgments for AC mobility. For lesions extending to the cartilaginous VC with laryngoscopically confirmed normal mobility, CT measurement of RAA showed the feasibility of being an indicator for the earliest motion problem.

To Explore the Changes and Differences of Microstructure of Vocal Fold in Vocal Fold Paralysis and Cricoarytenoid Joint Dislocation by Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The diffusion characteristics of water molecules were measured in the vocal folds of canines exhibiting unilateral vocal fold paralysis and unilateral cricoarytenoid joint dislocation. These characteristics were used in conjunction with a histological examination of the microstructural changes of vocal fold muscle fibers to explore the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in distinguishing unilateral vocal fold paralysis and unilateral cricoarytenoid joint dislocation as well as evaluating microstructural changes. METHODS: Ten beagles were randomly divided into three groups: four in the unilateral vocal fold paralysis group, four in the unilateral cricoarytenoid joint dislocation group, and two in the normal group. Unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve resection was performed in the vocal fold paralysis group. Unilateral cricoarytenoid joint dislocation surgery was performed in the dislocation group. No intervention was performed in the normal group. Four months postintervention, the larynges were excised and put into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system (9.4T BioSpec MRI, Bruker, German) for scanning, followed by an analysis of diffusion parameters among the different groups for statistical significance. After MRI scanning, the vocal folds were cut into sections, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and scanned digitally. The mean cross-sectional area of muscle fibers, and the mean diameter of muscle fibers in the vocal folds were calculated by target detection and extraction technology. Mean values of each measurement were used to compare the differences among the three groups. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on the DTI parameters and the results from histological section extraction. RESULTS: The paralysis group had significantly higher Fractional Anisotropy (FA) compared to the dislocation group and normal group (P = 0.004). The paralysis group also had a significantly lower Tensor Trace value compared to the dislocation group and normal group (P = 0.000). The average cross-sectional area of vocal fold muscle fibers in the paralysis group was significantly smaller than the dislocation group and normal group (P = 0.000). Pearson correlation analysis yielded values of, r = -0.785, P = 0.01 between the average cross-sectional area of vocal muscle fibers and FA, and values of r = 0.881, P = 0.00 between Tensor Trace and the average cross-sectional area of vocal muscle. CONCLUSION: FA and Tensor Trace can be used as effective parameters to reflect the changes of microstructure in vocal fold paralysis and cricoarytenoid joint dislocation. DTI is an objective and quantitative method to effectively evaluate unilateral vocal fold paralysis and unilateral cricoarytenoid joint dislocation, also capable of noninvasively evaluating vocal fold muscle fiber microstructure.

Modified Laryngeal Forceps for Arytenoid Cartilage Dislocation Caused by Endotracheal Intubation: A Retrospective Case-Control Pilot Study.

Background: Arytenoid cartilage dislocation is considered as a rare laryngeal injury and closed reduction is commonly used as the first choice for the arytenoid dislocation. However, the tools of closed reduction vary, and there is no dedicated tool for closed reduction, and the treatment outcome varies from person to person. This study compared the treatment outcome of the modified laryngeal forceps and traditional laryngeal forceps. Material and Methods: This study conformed to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines regarding retrospective studies. From May 2021 to February 2023, the records of 28 patients with arytenoid cartilage dislocation caused by endotracheal intubation were reviewed. They were divided into the traditional group (n = 14) and the modified group (n = 14) by gender. Indirect or direct laryngoscopy, video stroboscopy, high-resolution computed tomography, and cricoarytenoid joint 3-dimensional reconstruction were used to evaluate arytenoid position and motion. Clinical characteristics, voice function, procedural skill, and treatment outcome for each case were recorded. Results: Each patient was diagnosed with arytenoid dislocation caused by endotracheal intubation. There was no significant difference in the treatment outcome between the traditional group and the modified group (P > .05). However, the median time interval between closed reduction and the return of normal voice in the traditional group was 31.08 ± 10.56 days, which was significantly longer than the median time of 17.92 ± 3.83 days in the modified group (P < .05). Conclusion: Closed reduction with the modified laryngeal forceps under local anesthesia is an effective and safe procedure. Compared with traditional laryngeal forceps, the modified laryngeal forceps can shorten the treatment duration.

Cricoarytenoid joint arthritis: a possible complication of dermatomyositis.

Cricoarytenoid joint arthritis is most frequently reported in Rheumatoid Arthritis and in other systemic diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Ankylosing Arthritis, Juvenile Chronic Arthritis, and autoimmune hepatitis but it has not been reported in dermatomyositis. In this paper, we report the case of a 43 years-old woman treated for dermatomyositis who presented with hoarseness and severe odynophagia. The laryngoscopy revealed the presence of an extensive white swelling of the left cricoarytenoid joint with reduced mobility of the left vocal cord, consistent with left cricoarytenoid joint arthritis, which has not previously been described in dermatomyositis to our knowledge. Treatment with high doses of prednisone produced a complete resolution of the laryngeal symptoms.

Case Report: Upper airway obstruction due to rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of small joints. Small synovial joints in the larynx can also become affected, and laryngeal involvement is seen in more than half of patients with RA. As most patients have subtle symptoms and indolent course, they are either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. The acute worsening of cricoarytenoid arthritis can cause sudden upper airway obstruction and may require emergency intubation or tracheostomy. This life-threatening condition is described in only a handful of cases in the medical literature. Physicians should be aware of this rare but life-threatening consequence of RA. We present a case of sudden and severe upper airway obstruction secondary to laryngeal involvement in a patient with long-standing RA.

Arytenoid Dislocation and Vocal Cord Immobility After Emergent Fiberoptic Intubation: A Case Report.

This case report describes a right arytenoid dislocation after emergency fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation in a patient with angioedema. The patient returned to the emergency department multiple times with classic symptoms of arytenoid dislocation, complicated by resultant postinjury laryngeal edema and poorly controlled laryngopharyngeal reflux. The arytenoid injury was not initially recognized, which delayed treatment. Several months later, intraoperative assessment was done because of continued symptoms suspicious for laryngeal injury, resulting in a diagnosis of right cricoarytenoid joint fixation resulting from prior intubation trauma. Because of delayed diagnosis and treatment, severe cricoarytenoid joint scarring and fixation prevented repositioning of the arytenoid and improvement in laryngeal function. Discussion of this case includes a review of the anatomy and function of the arytenoid and cricoarytenoid joint, along with factors that increase and decrease joint stability and risk of injury. The etiology of arytenoid dislocation is described, along with suspected mechanisms of injury in anterior vs posterior and right vs left dislocations. Classic symptoms, the importance of early identification, and treatment options are also discussed.

Regularity of voice recovery and arytenoid motion after closed reduction in patients with arytenoid dislocation: a self-controlled clinical study.

Background: Closed reduction is an effective treatment for arytenoid dislocation. The treatment is usually given more than once to obtain normal voice. However, when to perform the next closed reduction remains controversial.Objective: This study aimed to observe the regularity of the voice recovery and the arytenoid motion in patients with arytenoid dislocation after closed reduction.Material and methods: Thirty-one patients were recruited from September 2017 to April 2019. Results of their clinical data were reviewed retrospectively.Results: Among the thirty-one patients, their VHI scores, F0, jitter%, shimmer%, glottal-to-noise excitation %(GNE), maximum phonation time (MPT) and GRBAS Scale (G, R, B, A) improved significantly (p < .05), but there was no statistically significant difference for GRBAS Scale (S) (p>.05). The duration between last closed reduction and the restoring normal voice ranged from 1-8 days, with a mean of 4.65 ± 0.57 days, at the same time the glottis was completely closed.Conclusions and significance: Closed reduction for patients with arytenoid dislocation is an effective procedure. A time window between 4.08th and 5.22th day (at a confidence level of 95%) after the last closed reduction was identified to be critical for voice recovery.

Anatomic Considerations for a Posterior Endoscopic Approach to the Cricoarytenoid Joint.

OBJECTIVE: This anatomic study considers the feasibility of a posterior endoscopic approach to the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) by describing relationships between readily identifiable anatomic landmarks and the posterior CAJ space in cadaver larynges. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomic study. METHODS: Six adult cadaver larynges (2 male, 4 female) were studied. Digital calipers were used for measurements, and Image J software was used for angle calculations. All cricoarytenoid joints were injected with colored gel via a posterior approach using a 27-gauge needle. RESULTS: The average age of the larynges studied was 78.7 ± 10 years. The average posterior CAJ space (pCAJs) length measured 4.95 ± 0.9 mm. The average distance from the superior aspect of the midline cricoid lamina (MCL) to the center of pCAJs and the corniculate cartilage (CC) to the center of the pCAJs were 8.35 ± 1.5 mm and 14.54 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. The average pCAJs angle of declination (AD) from the horizontal plane was 54° ± 6.2°. All 12 cricoarytenoid joints were successfully injected with colored gel via a posterior approach. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior CAJ space can be located surgically using readily identifiable anatomic landmarks. An understanding of this posterior CAJ anatomy may allow for more consistent intra-articular injection and support the development of other CAJ procedures for a range of disorders of vocal fold motion or malposition.

Cricoarytenoid Joint Ankylosis: Classification and Transoral Laser Microsurgical Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe a graduated approach for effective transoral mobilization of cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis (CJA) in the context of the Bogdasarian system of classifying posterior glottic web-based stenosis (PGWS). STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study through data from medical records and operative notes. A consecutive series of 23 patients who underwent reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery for PGWS with a significant degree of CJA (Bogdasarian grade III-IV) was included in the study. METHODS: Techniques necessary to remobilize their cricoarytenoid joints were reviewed in the context of the extent of scar tissue found. RESULTS: Arytenoids with CJA were successfully mobilized by resection of the fused portion of the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages achieving respiratory improvements as well as decannulation of tracheostomy-dependent patients. The majority (83%) of patient's voices improved. All patients tolerated a full diet after the procedures. Cases with Bogdasarian grade III PGWS with minor unilateral fixation should be classified as IIIa. If the fixation is severe, the case should be classified as a grade IIIb. Grade IVa would indicate that both sides were mildly to moderately ankylosed, and grade IVb involves ankylosis of both joints with subtotal or complete fusion of at least one; it presents the greatest surgical challenge. CONCLUSION: We provided effective transoral techniques for the re-mobilization of cricoarytenoid joint, along with a classification of CJA that aims to standardize the severity of disease in the context of the existing and widely accepted Bogdasarian scale.

Quantitative Measurement of the Three-dimensional Structure of the Vocal Folds and Its Application in Identifying the Type of Cricoarytenoid Joint Dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to quantitatively measure the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the vocal folds in normal subjects and in patients with different types of cricoarytenoid dislocation. We will analyze differences in parameters between the groups and also determine if any morphologic parameters possess utility in distinguishing the type and the degree of cricoarytenoid dislocation. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study was conducted using university hospital data. METHODS: Subjects' larynges were scanned using dual-source computed tomography (CT). The normal subjects were divided into deep-inhalation and phonation groups, and patients with cricoarytenoid joint dislocation were divided into anterior-dislocation and posterior-dislocation groups. Membranous vocal fold length and width were measured directly on the thin-section CT images. Vocal fold and airway 3D models were constructed using Mimics software and used in combination to measure vocal fold thickness, subglottal convergence angle, and oblique angle of the vocal folds. RESULTS: The phonation group displayed a greater vocal fold width, greater oblique angle, thinner vocal folds, and a smaller subglottal convergence angle than those of the deep-inhalation group (P < 0.05). The anterior-dislocation group displayed a smaller oblique angle and subglottal convergence angle than the posterior-dislocation group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D structure of the vocal folds during deep inhalation and phonation can be accurately measured using dual-source CT and laryngeal 3D reconstruction. As the anterior-dislocation group yielded negative values for the oblique angle and the posterior-dislocation group yielded positive values, the oblique angle of the vocal folds may possess utility for distinguishing the type and for quantitatively determining the degree of cricoarytenoid dislocation.

Augmentation surgery on the cartilaginous portion of the vocal fold in a patient with cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis.

Surgical management of cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) ankylosis is challenging and has the risk of worsening voice quality. In the present case, augmentation surgery was performed on the cartilaginous portion of the vocal fold in a patient with CAJ ankylosis. A 24-year-old man sustained blunt trauma to the anterior neck three years prior to developing severe breathiness. Posterior glottal insufficiency resulting from lateral fixation of the right vocal fold was observed during phonation under laryngoscopy. In addition, electromyography and CT scan revealed severe ankylosis of the right CAJ. Type I thyroplasty performed on the right vocal fold did not improve postoperative vocal function. Therefore, augmentation surgery on the cartilaginous portion of the right vocal fold was performed via endolaryngeal microsurgery under general anesthesia with jet ventilation. A piece of temporalis fascia was autotransplanted into the submucosal space created at the posterior cartilaginous portion of the right vocal fold. This resulted in the narrowing of the posterior glottal gap during phonation, leading to improvement in hoarseness. Microsurgical management with autologous fascia augmentation of the cartilaginous portion of the vocal fold can be effective in patients with lateral vocal fold fixation due to CAJ ankylosis.

BMI May Be the Risk Factor for Arytenoid Dislocation Caused by Endotracheal Intubation: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative arytenoid dislocation caused by endotracheal intubation. METHODS: From September 2014 to September 2016, the records of 28 patients with a history of postoperative arytenoid dislocation were reviewed. Patients matched in type of anesthesia and surgery were chosen as the control (n = 56). Recorded data for all patients were demographics, smoking status, alcoholic status, operation time, and anesthesia procedures. For arytenoid dislocation cases, we further analyzed the incidences of the left and right arytenoid dislocations. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, and were compared using the chi-square test. Continuous variables were expressed as means ± standard deviation and compared using the Student unpaired t test. To determine the predictors of arytenoid dislocation, a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was indicated by P < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients demonstrating postoperative arytenoid dislocation (10 women and 18 men) were included, with a mean age of 55 ± 12 years. Sixteen patients (57.14%) had left arytenoid dislocation and 12 (42.86%) had right arytenoid dislocation. Univariate analysis indicated that body mass index (BMI) was associated with arytenoid dislocation (P < 0.01), and logistic regression analysis showed that BMI (P = 0.025) was an independent risk factor for postoperative arytenoid dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: BMI might be the independent risk factor for postoperative arytenoid dislocation.

A novel approach to cricoarytenoid joint injections: An anatomic study.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate a novel approach to cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) injections. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomic feasibility study. METHODS: Five human cadaveric larynges providing 10 CAJ s were used to obtain trajectory measurements of a 27-gauge 1½-inch needle placed between the CAJ capsule and the contralateral cricothyroid membrane. Ten additional larynges providing 20 CAJ s were then used to assess the efficacy of applying the previously obtained measurements to guide 0.2-cc methylene blue injections of the CAJ using a 27-gauge 1½-inch needle. Successful injection was confirmed by direct visualization of methylene blue within the CAJ capsule. RESULTS: The tip of the needle made a 70 ± 1.87 degree (confidence interval [CI] 95%) angle relative to the plane parallel to the anterior lamella of the cricoid cartilage; the needle was within the cricothyroid membrane 5 ± 0.77 mm (CI 95%) lateral to the midsagittal plane; the needle was 4 ± 0.80 mm (CI 95%) anteroinferior from the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage as measured within the airway; and the distance from the point of airway entry and the CAJ capsule was 17 ± 2.42 mm (CI 95%). Twenty CAJ injections were attempted using the guidelines established here with an 85% success rate. CONCLUSION: The current approach to CAJ injection utilizes microlaryngoscopy in an operative setting. This study is the first to describe the accessibility of the CAJ through percutaneous injection using reliable landmarks, potentially allowing access to the joint in an office-based setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 127:199-203, 2017.

Subluxation of the Cricoarytenoid Joint After External Laryngeal Trauma: A Rare Case and Review of the Literature.

Cricoarytenoid joint subluxation is rare condition. There are <200 cases reported in the English literature. The most frequent cause of this condition is a traumatic tracheal intubation which account for approximately 80 % of all cases. The most common symptoms are dysphonia and pain of the anterior region of the neck which appear after upper airway manipulation or cervical trauma. In this report we present a well-documented case of a 31 year old male that was referred to the outpatient clinic because of acute dysphonia and pain that appeared immediately after receiving a blow of a soccer ball. Diagnosis was suspected after patient reported the acute onset of symptoms after the traumatic event along with findings in flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy and videostroboscopy. A CT scan of the larynx was done where the injury of the left cricoarytenoid joint was seen. The patient was informed of the condition and was given the option of surgical reduction or speech therapy. Speech therapy was done for 3 month and the patient was satisfied with the result, although the anatomical abnormality persisted. We reviewed the literature and we discuss the diagnosis process and possible treatment options.