Transection of cervical trachea following blunt trauma

Abstract

Laryngotracheal injuries are relatively rare but their mortality rate is fairly high. Complete disruption of the trachea is extremely rare and a systematic approach is needed for early diagnosis and favourable outcome. The patient's symptoms and physical signs do not necessarily correlate with the severity of the injury as this case report highlights. X-rays, CT scans, barium swallows and endoscopies are recommended for evaluation of such injuries. However, direct laryngoscopy and fibre optic bronchoscopy are the most accurate.