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Bilateral vocal cord hematomas associated with shoulder harness use
R A De Lorenzo1, D Mayer, G M Gardner
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical College, NY 12208.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 1, 1991
Summary
A car crash caused by a shoulder harness injury resulted in bilateral vocal cord hematomas. This case highlights the importance of understanding injury mechanisms for vocal cord trauma.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are a common cause of trauma.
- Seatbelt restraints, while life-saving, can cause unique injury patterns.
- Vocal cord injuries are rare but can significantly impact patient quality of life.
Observation:
- A patient involved in a front-end collision sustained a neck contusion from a three-point seatbelt system.
- Following the injury, the patient developed hoarseness.
- Fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed bilateral true vocal cord hematomas.
Findings:
- The vocal cord hematomas were directly attributed to the shoulder harness mechanism during the MVC.
- Despite the vocal cord injury, the patient did not experience airway compromise.
- The patient experienced a full recovery with no long-term sequelae.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need to consider vocal cord injury in patients with neck trauma after MVCs.
- Understanding the specific mechanism of injury, including seatbelt use, is crucial for diagnosis.
- Early diagnosis and management can lead to favorable outcomes for vocal cord hematomas.