V M Hofmann1, S Bartel-Friedrich, K Neumann, S Knipping. 1. Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany. veit.hofmann@medizin.uni-halle.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute trauma with laryngeal fracture is a rare injury affecting all functions of the larynx. Resuscitation follows the ABC principles for acute trauma life support. The priority has always been the establishment of an adequate and secure airway. To achieve optimal therapeutic long-term results, permanent stabilisation of the airway and good functional restoration of phonation and swallowing are necessary. We describe the therapy and long-term follow-up of two patients who suffered laryngeal fracture. CASE REPORTS: The first case concerns a 31-year-old woman who suffered polytrauma with laryngotracheal separation in a car accident. The fracture was reduced and fixed utilizing miniplates. After decannulation the patient had a patent airway. She regained normal voice and was able to swallow without difficulty. The other case concerns a 16-year-old boy who suffered a laryngeal fracture in a bicycle accident. He also underwent subsequent operative therapy using adaptation plates. This patient also regained an adequate airway and a good postoperative voice. There were no problems with swallowing. CONCLUSION: Chondrosynthesis with adaptation plates provides an enduring and exact fixation of laryngeal fractures. In the long term, this leads to a stable recovery of function concerning airway, voice, and swallowing.
BACKGROUND: Acute trauma with laryngeal fracture is a rare injury affecting all functions of the larynx. Resuscitation follows the ABC principles for acute trauma life support. The priority has always been the establishment of an adequate and secure airway. To achieve optimal therapeutic long-term results, permanent stabilisation of the airway and good functional restoration of phonation and swallowing are necessary. We describe the therapy and long-term follow-up of two patients who suffered laryngeal fracture. CASE REPORTS: The first case concerns a 31-year-old woman who suffered polytrauma with laryngotracheal separation in a car accident. The fracture was reduced and fixed utilizing miniplates. After decannulation the patient had a patent airway. She regained normal voice and was able to swallow without difficulty. The other case concerns a 16-year-old boy who suffered a laryngeal fracture in a bicycle accident. He also underwent subsequent operative therapy using adaptation plates. This patient also regained an adequate airway and a good postoperative voice. There were no problems with swallowing. CONCLUSION: Chondrosynthesis with adaptation plates provides an enduring and exact fixation of laryngeal fractures. In the long term, this leads to a stable recovery of function concerning airway, voice, and swallowing.