Non-Traumatic Thyroid Cartilage Fracture from Sudden Neck Motion: Clinical Insights.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The thyroid cartilage is the most prominent laryngeal cartilage located beneath the hyoid bone. Non-traumatic fractures of the larynx, including the thyroid cartilage, are rare and can occur when the glottis is closed and intrathoracic pressure suddenly increases. This report describes the case of a 42-year-old man presenting with hoarseness and pain when swallowing and a diagnosis of non-traumatic thyroid cartilage fracture following sudden neck movement, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical mechanisms of laryngeal injury. CASE REPORT A 42-year-old healthy man experienced a "pop" in his neck during sudden sharp head turning while driving. Five days later, he presented to the hospital with progressive odynophagia and hoarseness. Initial diagnostic workup included computed tomography imaging, which revealed a non-displaced anterior thyroid cartilage fracture with surrounding air. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy demonstrated left vocal cord thickening with preserved mobility, and a barium swallow study was unremarkable. Based on these findings and stable airway status, conservative management was initiated with antibiotics and airway monitoring. The patient was discharged after 2 days and demonstrated complete symptom resolution at 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This report has presented a rare case of non-traumatic thyroid cartilage fracture following sudden neck motion. The case highlights the importance of careful history and imaging of the structures of the neck, particularly in patients presenting with voice changes, even without apparent trauma. Furthermore, it supports the efficacy of conservative management in stable, non-displaced laryngeal fractures.