Impact of deferred surgical intervention on the outcome of external laryngeal trauma

Laryngeal Trauma

Laryngeal trauma is rare but potentially fatal. Initial evaluation includes efficient history and physical examination, imaging, bedside flexible laryngoscopy, and if necessary, operative endoscopic evaluation. Multiple classification systems exist for laryngeal trauma, and each has its merits. We recommend a patient-centered approach, rather than using the classification alone. Secure airways are the primary goal of acute management, with awake tracheostomy more often indicated over oral intubation compared with traumas not involving the larynx. More severe injuries typically require surgical intervention. Early intervention results in optimal voice and airway outcomes.

Maxillofacial Fractures Associated With Laryngeal Injury: A Craniofacial Surgeon Should be Alert

OBJECTIVE

Maxillofacial fractures with concomitant laryngeal injuries put both the quality and maintenance of life in jeopardy. Because of its low incidence, it is often overlooked in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study is to review the incidence, clinical presentations, managements, and outcomes of these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of medical records from 2008 to 2015 was conducted at a single institute. A case series (n = 12, which contributed 22.2% of laryngeal injuries in our institute) of these patients was presented, and propensity score matching was applied for further statistical analysis.

RESULTS

When comparing patients who sustained maxillofacial fractures with concomitant laryngeal injuries with patients with only maxillofacial fractures and no laryngeal injuries, subcutaneous emphysema (83.3% vs 4.2%, P < 0.001), neck pain (75.0% vs 6.3%, P < 0.001), dyspnea (75.0% vs 0%, P < 0.001), hoarseness (41.7% vs 0%, P < 0.001), neck swelling (66.7% vs 4.2%, P = 0.012), stridor (16.7% vs 0%, P = 0.037), hemoptysis (16.7% vs 0%, P = 0.037), and thoracic trauma (58.3% vs 10.4%, P = 0.001) all showed significant differences. The length of intensive care unit stay (7.42 days vs 3.21 days, P = 0.008), ventilator use (66.7% vs 18.8%, P = 0.002), and tracheostomy (58.3% vs 0%, P < 0.001) were also significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant portion of laryngeal injuries is concurrent with maxillofacial fractures. As a craniofacial surgeon, we should be alert to the signs of laryngeal injury. Diagnosis of laryngeal injuries should be established before definitive surgery for maxillofacial fractures.

Laryngeal Fracture after Blunt Cervical Trauma in Motorcycle Accident and Its Management

Laryngeal fracture is a rare traumatic injury, potentially fatal, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 30,000 patients admitted to severe trauma centers. Because of the rarity of this injury, physician may be not aware of its existence, leading to a late diagnosis of this entity. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman admitted to the emergency room after a motorcycle accident with cervical trauma. The patient presented with dysphonia, hemoptysis, cervical subcutaneous emphysema, and increasing respiratory distress that led to the intubation of the patient. CT-scan demonstrated displaced fracture of the cricoid and thyroid cartilage. The patient was submitted to tracheostomy and the fracture was surgically repaired. Tracheostomy was removed in third postoperative month. The patient presented a good recovery, reporting only hoarseness but without swallowing or breathing problems at 6-month follow-up.