Pectoralis major muscle transposition: an adjunct to laryngeal preservation in severe chondroradionecrosis

Radiation-induced chondronecrosis of the larynx in early glottic cancer is a rare but serious complication, sometimes requiring total laryngectomy. We describe two patients who developed the major complication of chondroradionecrosis of the larynx 11 and 18 years after completion of radiotherapy. Both cases underwent excision of the overlying skin and of all infected and devitalized thyroid cartilage, followed by pectoralis major muscle transposition and split thickness skin grafting. This procedure resulted in a preservation of all laryngeal functions and also an acceptable cosmetic outcome.