Diagnosis and initial management of laryngotracheal injuries associated with facial fractures.
BACKGROUND
Laryngotracheal injuries are uncommon with an estimated incidence of 1 per thousand (1-6 patients per 15000-42500 trauma victims). They may be associated with fractures of the facial skeleton. Their symptoms are variable ranging from obvious airway obstruction to minor or almost missing symptoms. Early diagnosis and proper initial management may sometimes be difficult or delayed.


METHODS
Three patients with maxillofacial fractures and concomitant laryngotracheal injuries are presented. The diagnostic procedures used and the management of these injuries are reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to their low incidence and their hidden nature laryngotracheal injuries may pose diagnostic problems, especially in polytraumatized or intubated patients. Subcutaneous emphysema is the chief clinical sign. Fibreoptic endoscopy is the most important and informative diagnostic examination. Radiographic evaluation by CT scan provides additional information about the extent of the injury and the indication for surgery. A coordinated team approach is necessary for proper management of these injuries.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kantonsspital Luzern, Switzerland. johannes.kuttenberger@ksl.ch
J J Johannes J
JJ
Kuttenberger
Nicolas
N
Hardt
Christoph
C
Schlegel
D000328:Adult; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004646:Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis; D012421:Rupture; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000293:injuries; D014132:Trachea / Q000293:injuries*; D014140:Tracheotomy; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000293:injuries