Buckled Thyroid Cartilage: An Anatomic Variant

Abstract

Anatomic abnormalities in the larynx can cause significant and bothersome symptoms. Identified here is an anatomical variant of the thyroid cartilage. This study is a retrospective case series of 11 subjects diagnosed with an anatomic variant of the thyroid cartilage. Patients with an anatomic inward buckling of the thyroid cartilage, termed here as buckled thyroid cartilage, were identified through a 20-year retrospective chart review of a tertiary care laryngology practice. We describe 11 patients with fullness or asymmetry in the area of the false vocal fold and an associated inward buckling of the thyroid cartilage on computed tomography scan. All patients presented with a bothersome voice-related complaint. The most common presenting complaints were hoarseness (54%), globus sensation (45%), or vocal fatigue (27%). One patient was found to have a history of known laryngeal trauma. Surgical correction through an external approach on one patient was successfully performed with subsequent resolution of symptoms. We postulate that deformity and protrusion of the false vocal fold can result in a dampening effect on the vibratory capacity of the vocal fold that can lead to symptomatic hoarseness and vocal fatigue. Buckled thyroid cartilage is, therefore, an important anatomical variant to be aware of and be able to recognize.