Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025

A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Airway Obstruction with Blunt Neck Trauma from an Accidental High Tackle in Rugby
1Department of Emergency Medicine, The Jikei University Daisan Hospital, Komae, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Blunt neck trauma is an uncommon condition in sports yet life-threatening if left untreated; hence, early diagnosis and management is necessary once suspected. We report a collegiate rugby player tackled around the neck during intersquad scrimmage. He broke his cricoid and thyroid cartilage, resulting in cervical subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum and eventually, airway obstruction. Thus, he underwent cricothyroidotomy and emergency tracheotomy. After 20 d, the emphysema disappeared. However, dilation failure of the vocal cord remained, thereby requiring laryngeal reconstruction. In conclusion, blunt neck trauma can cause airway obstruction in various sports.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.

