Diagnosis and management of acute laryngeal trauma

Retrospective chart analysis was carried out on 13 patients presenting to the trauma service at the Humana Hospital University in Louisville, from January, 1984 through December, 1987 with a diagnosis of acute laryngeal injury. The most common cause of injury was blunt trauma suffered in a motor vehicle accident. Stridor was the most common presenting symptom and the thyroid cartilage was the most common site of fracture. Seven patients underwent immediate open exploration and repair, three underwent tracheostomy without exploration, and three were treated conservatively with voice rest, humidity, and steroids. All 13 patients had a favorable result. The purpose of this paper is to review the findings of our study and to discuss diagnostic and management recommendations for laryngeal trauma.