Bilateral Vocal Process Avulsion: A Rare Complication of Laryngeal Trauma.

Authors

• Hye Rhee Chi, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Omar Ramadan
• Robert T Sataloff

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-30-2026

Abstract

Vocal process avulsion is a rare and often overlooked complication of laryngeal trauma, most commonly associated with endotracheal intubation. It involves detachment of the vocal process from the body of the arytenoid cartilage, leading to dysphonia, dysphagia, voice fatigue, and/or aspiration. While strobovideolaryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography may suggest underlying structural disruption, diagnosis can be challenging when findings are subtle or imaging is inconclusive. Definitive diagnosis and management typically involves surgical evaluation and repair to restore vocal fold tension and glottic competence. We present the first documented case of bilateral vocal process avulsion following endotracheal intubation.

Comments

This article was published in Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1177/01455613261437283.

Copyright © 2026 The Authors. CC BY-NC 4.0.

Publication Title

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal

Recommended Citation

Chi, Hye Rhee; Ramadan, Omar; and Sataloff, Robert T, "Bilateral Vocal Process Avulsion: A Rare Complication of Laryngeal Trauma." (2026). Otolaryngology (ENT) Resident Research. 130.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/ent_residents/130

PubMed ID

41909962