2. INTRODUCTION
voice box
involved in breathing, producing sound
and protecting the trachea against food
aspiration.
The larynx manipulates pitch and
volume, which is essential for
phonation.
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4. LARYNGEAL TRAUMA
Laryngeal trauma is injury to the voice box, or larynx, the
upper portion of the airway where the vocal cords are
located.
The damage can range from minor vocal cord weakness
to fractures of the cartilage structures of the larynx or
trachea.
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7. ETIOLOGY
Automobile accidents (most common)
Blow or kick on the neck
Strangulation
Neck striking against a wire or cable
Penetrating injuries with sharp instruments
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8. PATHOLOGY
The degree & severity of damage will vary from slight
bruises externally or laceration of mucosa to a
comminuted fracture of laryngeal framework.
Laryngeal fractures are common after 40 years of age
because of calcification of the laryngeal framework
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9. PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
Hematoma or edema of supraglottic or subglottic region
Tears in laryngeal mucosa
Dislocation od cricoarytenoid joints (cartilage)
Dislocation of cricothyroid joint
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11. CONTD.
Fractures of hyoid bone
Fractures of cricoid cartilage
Fractures of thyroid cartilage
Fractures of upper tracheal rings
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12. CLINICAL FEATURES
Respiratory distress
Aphonia
Hoarseness
Difficulty with swallowing
Pain in larynx
Hemoptysis
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13. EXTERNAL SIGNS
Bruises over the skin
Neck swelling
Fracture displacements of thyroid & cricoid
cartilage
Palpation of laryngeal area is painful
Bony crepitus between fragments of hyoid
bone
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15. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
Indirect laryngoscopy or rigid endoscopy
Flexible laryngoscopy through nose
CT of the larynx
Associated injuries
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16. CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT
Vocal rest is essential
Patient should be observed for respiratory distress
Humidification of inspired air is essential
Steroid therapy
Antibiotics
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18. OPEN REDUCTION INCLUDES:
1. fractures of hyoid bone cane be replaced
2. Mucosal lacerations are repaired
3. Arytenoid cartilages can be repositioned
4. Epiglottis is anchored in its normal position
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