## Overview Arytenoid chondropathy is the pathologic enlargement and deformation of one or both arytenoid cartilages, most often the end result of arytenoid chondritis. The enlarged cartilage cannot abduct normally, producing upper-airway obstruction. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with arytenoid chondritis; chondropathy emphasizes the structural deformity rather than the active inflammatory process. ## Causes The same mucosal trauma and secondary infection hypothesized for chondritis lead to cartilage necrosis, fibrosis, and permanent enlargement. Granulation tissue may protrude into the airway lumen. ## Diagnosis Endoscopic examination shows a thickened, misshapen arytenoid with reduced mobility and often axial granulation tissue. Ultrasound assesses the full thickness of the cartilage. Clinical signs mirror those of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. ## Treatment Medical therapy (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, airway rest) is appropriate only for early lesions. Established chondropathy usually requires partial arytenoidectomy or permanent tracheostomy in severe bilateral cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis after unilateral arytenoidectomy is fair to good for return to athletic use. Bilateral disease or extensive peri-laryngeal fibrosis worsens the outlook. ## Prevention Identical to arytenoid chondritis; no specific measures are proven.
inspiratory noise; exercise intolerance; enlarged immobile arytenoid on endoscopy; respiratory distress in advanced cases
## Overview Arytenoid chondropathy is the pathologic enlargement and deformation of one or both arytenoid cartilages, most often the end result of arytenoid chondritis. The enlarged cartilage cannot abduct normally, producing upper-airway obstruction. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with arytenoid chondritis; chondropathy emphasizes the structural deformity rather than the active inflammatory process. ## Causes The same mucosal trauma and secondary infection hypothesized for chondritis lead to cartilage necrosis, fibrosis, and permanent enlargement. Granulation tissue may protrude into the airway lumen. ## Diagnosis Endoscopic examination shows a thickened, misshapen arytenoid with reduced mobility and often axial granulation tissue. Ultrasound assesses the full thickness of the cartilage. Clinical signs mirror those of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. ## Treatment Medical therapy (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, airway rest) is appropriate only for early lesions. Established chondropathy usually requires partial arytenoidectomy or permanent tracheostomy in severe bilateral cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis after unilateral arytenoidectomy is fair to good for return to athletic use. Bilateral disease or extensive peri-laryngeal fibrosis worsens the outlook. ## Prevention Identical to arytenoid chondritis; no specific measures are proven.
inspiratory noise; exercise intolerance; enlarged immobile arytenoid on endoscopy; respiratory distress in advanced cases