Laryngotracheal Separation Following Blunt Neck Injury

Blunt laryngotracheal injuries are rare. The signs and symptoms of blunt laryngotracheal trauma are not always specific to the extent or type of injury. A high index of suspicion should exist in any injury that may be associated with airway trauma. We report a 30-years man who had progressive shortness of breath following blunt neck injury. He had massive emphysema whereby an emergency tracheostomy with multiple fasciotomy was performed. During emergency tracheostomy, it was noted that he had anterior cricotracheal separation which was communicated posteriorly by mucosa and trachealis muscle. Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2016; 22(2): 114-118

Operative Management of Vocal Fold Avulsion Following Pediatric Laryngotracheal Separation

Laryngotracheal disruption in children is rare but life-threatening, and endolaryngeal injuries may go overlooked. We present the case of a 10-year-old boy who sustained near-complete laryngotracheal separation, multiple laryngeal fractures, and arytenoid and vocal fold avulsion following blunt cervical trauma. These injuries were not identified radiographically and only became apparent intraoperatively. Following surgical repair, the patient was successfully decannulated, eating a normal diet, and had a serviceable speaking voice within 2 months. In children, the diagnosis of severe endolaryngeal injuries may be elusive and therefore require high degree of clinical suspicion. Surgical success requires accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention.