Bilateral Vocal Process Avulsion: A Rare Complication of Laryngeal Trauma

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.