Blunt laryngeal trauma in patients with mandible fracture: Report of 3 cases

Three cases of mandibular injury with blunt laryngeal trauma in 2 different age groups are presented. In the common presenting sign of hoarseness of voice and its implication in the recognition of blunt laryngeal trauma, the role of direct laryngoscopy in the diagnosis is discussed. Arytenoid cartilage dislocation associated with maxillofacial injury is rare and infrequently diagnosed cause of vocal cord immobility. One case in our series had arytenoid involvement and both the cases had restricted vocal cord mobility, confirmed by direct laryngoscopy. ORIF of the mandibular fractures and conservative management of the laryngeal injury were carried out. Prompt history, careful examination, initial medical line of treatment followed by voice rest and voice therapy led to gradual decrease in the hoarseness.