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Video

Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology

(A724) Laryngopharyngeal Trauma in Grappling Martial Arts

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Cole L. Bird, MS

    Medical Student
    University of Kansas Medical Center
    Lees Summit, MO, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • KS

    Kyle Singerman, MD

    Resident Physician
    University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas City, Missouri, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Hannah L. Kavookjian, MD

    Assistant Professor
    University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas City, KS, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • SK

    Shannon Kraft, MD

    Associate Professor
    University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas Cith, Kansas, United States

Disclosure(s):
Kyle Singerman, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Hannah L. Kavookjian, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Shannon Kraft, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are rapidly growing martial arts disciplines where a primary objective is to “submit” an opponent by way of strangulation. This study investigates the prevalence, etiology, and attitudes toward laryngopharyngeal trauma among BJJ and MMA practitioners.

Methods: This cross-sectional, community-based survey study recruited BJJ/MMA practitioners over a 6-week period in October-November 2024. Participants were recruited via social media platforms and word-of-mouth distribution using convenience and snowball sampling. An online survey collected data on the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal injuries and associated symptoms, education, care-seeking behaviors and clinical outcomes.

Results: Among 160 participants, 87.5% (n=140) experienced symptom(s) of laryngopharyngeal trauma, most commonly sore throat (78.8%, n=126) and odynophagia (65.6%, n=105). Symptoms lasted < one week for the majority (68.2%, n=92). 87.0% (n=120) continued to train while symptomatic. 34.4% (n=55) report having a loss of consciousness (LOC) from a chokehold. Laryngopharyngeal symptoms were most associated with “guillotine” chokes (46.7%, n=64), while LOC was most associated with “lapel” chokes (65.5%, n=36). 50% (n=59) indicated they would not seek care if symptoms lasted < two weeks. Of the 17 participants that ultimately sought care, a hyolaryngeal fracture was diagnosed in 38.9% (n=7). 15.0% (n=24) reported a permanent voice change from regular training, primarily involving loss of higher vocal range. Most (77.5%, n=124) indicated that permanent voice changes would not stop them from training.

Conclusions: Despite chokeholds being a foundational technique in BJJ/MMA, there is a paucity of literature regarding laryngopharyngeal injuries in these sports. While the prevalence of chokehold-related laryngopharyngeal symptoms is high in this sample, most participants continue to train through these symptoms and do not seek medical attention. Future qualitative analysis is underway which will explore participants’ perspectives and inform injury prevention efforts.