Blunt laryngeal trauma associated with shoulder harness use.
A case of blunt laryngeal trauma secondary to use of a shoulder harness is presented. The patient, restrained with a lap and shoulder belt, was the occupant of an automobile involved in a rear-end collision. She presented with left anterior neck pain and two hours later developed hoarseness and hemoptysis. A laryngeal laceration, identified by laryngoscopy, was surgically repaired after tracheostomy. The patient had an uncomplicated hospital course and uneventful recovery.
Guertler
A T
AT
Department of Emergency Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington 98431-5382.
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000293:injuries*; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000293:injuries; D014140:Tracheotomy; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*