Blunt laryngeal trauma: classification and management protocol.

Ten patients with the diagnosis of blunt laryngotracheal trauma were admitted to Orlando Regional Medical Center from March 1, 1987 through September 30, 1988. These patients have been studied retrospectively with attention to type of injury, management, treatment, and outcome. The use of a flexible nasopharyngoscope in the Emergency Department, significance of a patient's inability to tolerate the supine position, and tracheotomy as the airway of choice are key points in the laryngotracheal injury classification and management protocol presented herein.