Laryngeal Trauma

In brief

Blunt laryngeal injury is a rare but potentially catastrophic event. If the airway is not totally obstructed, the on-site physician should manage the upper airway following basic airway protocols. If the airway becomes totally obstructed on-site, orotracheal intubation using a small-diameter endotracheal tube is the procedure of choice. Translaryngeal ventilation and surgical cricothyrotomy are relatively contraindicated but may need to be used as a last resort. When the need for advanced airway procedures is likely, the patient should be transported expediently by advanced life support ambulance to the nearest appropriate emergency department.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kenneth R. Veenema

Dr Veenema is an instructor and fellow in emergency medicine and an instructor and fellow in orthopedics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. Dr Swenson is an assistant professor of orthopedics at the same institution. Dr Veenema is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and Dr Swenson is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr Howe is a team physician at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and a member of the editorial board of THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE.

E. James Swenson

Dr Veenema is an instructor and fellow in emergency medicine and an instructor and fellow in orthopedics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. Dr Swenson is an assistant professor of orthopedics at the same institution. Dr Veenema is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and Dr Swenson is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr Howe is a team physician at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and a member of the editorial board of THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE.

Warren B. Howe

Dr Veenema is an instructor and fellow in emergency medicine and an instructor and fellow in orthopedics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. Dr Swenson is an assistant professor of orthopedics at the same institution. Dr Veenema is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and Dr Swenson is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr Howe is a team physician at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and a member of the editorial board of THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE.