Pharyngeal tear resulting from skiing injury

Severe trauma may occur to the pharynx, larynx, and trachea as a result of blunt external forces. In the course of a downhill skiing accident, an 11-year-old male suffered a pharyngeal tear, with subsequent development of retropharyngeal air. A nonoperative approach resulted in an uneventful recovery from this unusual injury. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of pharyngoesophageal trauma are discussed.