Management of laryngotracheal trauma.
Blunt trauma to the neck requires a systematic analysis of the laryngotrachea, the esophagus and the cervical spine in addition to general trauma considerations. Acute airway decompensation is best managed by tracheotomy, although if the situation permits, an orderly physical examination including indirect laryngoscopy and selected roentgenographic studies will yield an appropriate picture of the injury. Although broad guidelines are helpful, each case may dictate an individual therapeutic modification.
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003288:Contusions / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*