A comparative study on the close reduction of arytenoid dislocation under indirect and direct laryngoscope

To assess the curative effects of different reduction techniques on the dislocation of cricoarytenoid joint caused by intubation, indirect laryngoscope (IL) and direct laryngoscope (DL) were utilized for the closed reduction of the displaced arytenoid under local anesthesia. 23 patients who underwent the reduction for dislocated arytenoid under IL or DL from January 1991 to June 2001 were reviewed. The data were collected on the duration of the laryngeal injury, times of receiving reduction, side-effects after the treatment and the period for voice to return to normal. The relationship between the duration of the laryngeal lesion and the period of the voice rehabilitation was examined. 13 patients received the reduction under IL and 10 patients under DL. Except the times of the reduction, which showed significant difference, no differences were found between IL group and DL group in the course and the period of voice rehabilitation, as well as sore throat after the manipulation. The patients’ voice recovery was positively related to their course of disease in both IL and DL group. It is concluded that the recovery of normal voice is obviously affected by the duration of arytenoid dislocation. The reduction under IL is as effective as under DL in the treatment of arytenoid dislocation. Reduction by DL is better suit the patients with long time course of disease.