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Trauma to the cricoarytenoid joint represents a rare but serious complication of endotracheal intubation. Subluxation and luxation of the arytenoid cartilage may occur during difficult but also following uncomplicated intubation. Forces on the arytenoid cartilage exerted by the laryngoscope blade or by the distal part of the endotracheal tube may cause anterior and inferior displacement of the arytenoid cartilage. Due to the conventional intubation technique the left arytenoid cartilage is affected most frequently. Posterolateral subluxation is attributed to the pressure exerted on the posterior glottis by the convex part of the shaft of the tube. Systemic diseases (e.g. terminal renal insufficiency, bowel diseases, acromegaly) may cause degeneration of the cricoarytenoid ligaments, thus making the cricoarytenoid joint more susceptible to traumatic dislocation. Persisting alterations of voice, sore throat and pain on swallowing may hint to the diagnosis of arytenoid dislocation. However, stridor and shortness of breath have also been observed. If pharyngo-laryngeal complaints persist, evaluation by laryngologists is mandatory. In addition to indirect and direct laryngoscopy, computerised tomography and electromyography of the larynx play an important role in differentiating arytenoid dislocation from true vocal cord paralysis due to nerve damage. Early operative reposition results in fair prognosis, whereas delayed diagnosis may lead to ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint with permanent impairment of the voice and possibly compromised airway protection.

Laryngeal obstruction is a challenging complication during anaesthesia with a face mask or laryngeal mask and is due to insufficient analgesia in most cases. However, with a laryngeal mask in place it must be differentiated whether the airway obstruction is caused by the laryngeal mask itself or by other factors. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of the laryngeal closure and experience with the use of the laryngeal mask are essential for adequate treatment. Not the removal of a correctly inserted laryngeal mask which initially provided a satisfying airway, but the relaxation of laryngeal muscle activity by adequate anaesthesia is the first mandatory treatment if intraoperative airway obstruction occurs.