Laryngeal fracture – a case report

Abstract

Laryngeal injury is a rare condition that may threaten the patient’s life with airway obstruction. Early dia­gnostics is the key management factor. Schaefer’s classification is the most commonly used classification to assess the extent of the injury. Based on this classification, a recommended management of therapy has been developed. There are several opinions on securing the airway by the orotracheal intubation. The authors present a case report of a 40-year-old male with thyroid cartilage fracture caused by a punch to the neck. The patient did not show signs of dyspnoea, had swollen neck and subcutaneous emphysema. Imaging by computed tomography showed a laryngeal fracture. A reconstruction of the thyroid cartilage and a tracheostomy in general anaesthesia were performed. Postoperative course was propitious, and the patient could be decannulated. It is important to consider a laryngeal injury in patients with external neck trauma. The key elements are early dia­gnosis and therapy, in which securing the airway is the crucial step. Further an effort should be made to create conditions for preserving laryngeal functions (respiration, phonation, and swallowing). Key words laryngeal injury – laryngeal fracture – larynx – tracheostomy