Traumatic laryngeal injuries are extremely rare however they can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They exist on a clinical spectrum ranging from mucosal injuries associated with minimal dysphonia to complete laryngotracheal disruptions with life-threatening airway compromise. Assessment of the airway with direct visualisation and cross-sectional imaging is necessary in order to plan management which varies from conservative to surgical interventions depending on the severity of airway compromise.
In this case series, 3 cases of laryngeal injury will be discussed; a 44 year old female who sustained a comminuted cricoid fracture from horse kick, a 55 year old male with an arytenoid dislocation following a traumatic injury from a hockey ball and a 49 year old male with displaced thyroid cartilage fractures from a punch. The aim of this presentation will be to explore an approach to laryngeal injuries including assessment, investigation and management using these cases as points of discussion.