An arytenoid dislocation happens when one of the small cartilages in your voice box, called the arytenoid cartilage, gets moved out of its usual place. Arytenoid dislocation can occur because of a rough intubation (when a breathing tube is placed) or a hard hit to the throat. When the arytenoid is out of place, you might notice a hoarse, breathy voice, throat pain, or trouble swallowing. Sometimes, its symptoms can seem very similar to vocal cord paralysis, even though the issue is actually the misplaced cartilage.

Doctors usually check for arytenoid dislocation by looking into your throat with a small camera or doing a CT scan. If they find that the arytenoid is not in its proper position, they often try to fix it with a closed reduction procedure, which gently moves the cartilage back into place. Voice rest, special injections (like Botox), or other therapies might be used afterward to help your voice improve and prevent the problem from coming back.