Blunt and penetrating trauma to the larynx and upper airway

Larynx and upper airway trauma are uncommon but potentially devastating injuries. These injuries may rapidly progress with lethal consequences. In the United States, the incidence of laryngeal trauma is estimated to be between 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 137,000 emergency room visits. The most common etiology of airway trauma is a blunt force impact to the anterior neck. With penetrating wounds there may be associated tissue loss, injury to the nearby carotid sheath structures, or injury to the esophagus and pharynx. There is an overall mortality of 40% for blunt injuries and 20% for penetrating injuries. Evaluation and treatment are directed at preserving life and maintaining and restoring laryngeal function.