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Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModerateAnatomyRecurrent laryngeal nerve injuryFRCA Primary

After thyroid surgery, a patient has a hoarse voice and fibreoptic examination shows an immobile vocal cord. Which nerve is most likely injured?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Recurrent laryngeal nerve

The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies the intrinsic laryngeal muscles except cricothyroid, so injury can cause vocal cord paralysis and hoarseness. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve supplies cricothyroid and affects pitch. The internal branch supplies supraglottic sensation. Thyroid surgery places the recurrent laryngeal nerve at particular risk.

Reference: RCoA Primary FRCA Syllabus; Gray's Anatomy for Students