Blunt Neck and Laryngeal Trauma Evaluation: An 11-Year Study

Introduction: Blunt neck and laryngeal trauma is rare. Since such injuries can be life threatening, their early management remarkably affects the immediate probability of patients’ survival and their long-term quality of life. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective and descriptive study, medical records of 54 patients with blunt neck and laryngeal trauma, who were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahwaz over an 11-year period, were evaluated. The collected data were then analyzed by descriptive statistical tests. Results: Mean age of the patients was 26 years and injuries were mostly seen in males. The most common etiological factors of blunt neck and laryngeal trauma included violent behavior and  vehicle accidents. Neck pain, tenderness, odynophasia and neck edema were observed as the main clinical manifestations in patients. The main injured organs consisted of the neck, larynx and FVC (False vocal cord) . Neck CT Scan was applied as the most common diagnostic method and conservative therapy as the most common therapeutic modality. It was reported that most patients suffered from minor injuries. Conclusion: Since any delay in early diagnosis and treatment of the patients is life threatening, accurate and immediate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures should be followed by skillful airway management and frequent evaluation of any changes.