Blunt posterior tracheal laceration and esophageal injury in a child

Abstract

Blunt force trauma to the neck can result in the unusual injury pattern of laceration of the posterior tracheal wall in combination with esophageal injury. We present the report of a 10-year-old child who had blunt cervical trauma because of a bicycle accident and subsequently presented with profound subcutaneous emphysema. This case was addressed with operative management with a good result. The essential management principles for this rare constellation of injuries include a high index of suspicion, early control of the airway, endoscopic and radiographic diagnosis, and use of a buttressing strap muscle flap in the event of operative management to prevent delayed complications, including leak and tracheoesophageal fistula.