Affiliation:
1. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
2. School of Medicine University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
3. Department of Sports Medicine University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
Abstract
ObjectiveTo present the first use of an ultrasonic pin resorbable plate fixation system for rigid fixation of a laryngeal fracture.MethodsPresentation of a 20‐year‐old male with a high velocity injury to his neck, via a lacrosse ball, resulting in a displaced laryngeal cartilage fracture.ResultsIntraoperatively, a Poly‐D, L‐Lactic Acid (PDLLA) polymer plate was contoured in‐situ, bridging the fracture, and secured with ultrasonically placed resorbable pins. He was extubated on post‐op day one and had return to vocal baseline one‐month post‐op.ConclusionUltrasonic pin placement systems for resorbable rigid fixation of a thyroid cartilage fracture optimizes recovery of respiratory and phonatory functions. Laryngoscope, 133:1470–1472, 2023