Abstract
Laryngeal injury is a rare condition that may threaten the patient's life with airway obstruction. Early dia-gnostics is the key management factor.
Schaefer's classification is the most commonly used classification to assess the extent of the injury. Based on this classification, a recommended management of therapy has been developed.
There are several opinions on securing the airway by the orotracheal intubation. The authors present a case report of a 40-year-old male with thyroid cartilage fracture caused by a punch to the neck.
The patient did not show signs of dyspnoea, had swollen neck and subcutaneous emphysema. Imaging by computed tomography showed a laryngeal fracture.
A reconstruction of the thyroid cartilage and a tracheostomy in general anaesthesia were performed. Postoperative course was propitious, and the patient could be decannulated.
It is important to consider a laryngeal injury in patients with external neck trauma. The key elements are early dia-gnosis and therapy, in which securing the airway is the crucial step.
Further an effort should be made to create conditions for preserving laryngeal functions (respiration, phonation, and swallowing).