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Isolated laryngotracheal separation following blunt trauma to the neck

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

C. J. Offiah*
Affiliation:
Department of Trauma, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
D. Endres
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK
*
Address for corresopndence: Dr. C. J. Offiah, B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., Department of Plastic Surgery, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford

Abstract

Isolated laryngotracheal separation following blunt trauma to the neck is a very rare subset of laryngeal trauma and has not been previously well characterized. A ‘clothes-line’ type injury is one way in which such an injury may occur in which a cyclist rides into a rope or cable. A case of this kind is presented, followed by a discussion of the relevant clinical symptoms and signs as well as the difficulties in making a diagnosis. The critical role of fibre-optic subglottoscopy and tracheoscopy in reaching this diagnosis is also examined.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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