Laryngeal trauma.

Laryngeal trauma may be obscured by associated injuries of the face and chest. An early assessment of these injuries should be made. Many cases may require observation only. In patients with severe laryngeal fractures, preservation of the airway and control of hemorrhage must first be assured. Following this, splinting by external or internal means should be carried out. Three severe laryngeal injuries were splinted with open and closed plastic moulds, with satisfactory results. It is proposed that early recognition and proper management of severe cases of this nature would shorten the treatment and achieve the best results.