Cricoarytenoiditis

Inflammation of the cricoarytenoid joint.

Cricoarytenoiditis occurs in elderly patients with arthritis. Usually, only those with the severest forms of arthritis have symptoms--chronic pain during swallowing and speaking. Examination of the larynx detects redness and swelling over the arytenoid cartilage. The cricoarytenoid joint eventually becomes fixated, causing the vocal cords to abduct poorly. Respiratory distress can result. Rarely, arytenoidectomy or tracheotomy is required.