Emphysema of the Neck from Rupture of the Trachea

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema from wounds penetrating the thoracic cavity is a common condition, but emphysema from wounds affecting the trachea or larynx alone is not so often noted. The following case is reported because of the unusual nature of the trauma, the rapid recovery under conservative treatment, and the graphic demonstration of the subcutaneous emphysema on roentgenologic examination. On April 8, 1935, a negro boy, aged seven years, fell across the arm of a rocking chair with his neck extended. Immediately afterward he complained of pain, shortness of breath, and a choking feeling. The mother noted marked swelling of the neck. He was brought to the office within ten minutes after the injury, at which time there was definite swelling of the soft tissues of the neck from the clavicles to the mandibles and extending back to the lateral mid-line. There was definite crepitation on palpation. No break could be found in the skin, but a small bruise was noted below the level of the larynx. A diagnosis of rup...