Larynx and thyroid cartilage fracture after work accident and forensic medical evaluation

Abstract

Laryngeal injuries are rare but can be fatal. Depending on the type and severity of the trauma, thyroid and laryngeal cartilage fractures, full-thickness mucosal tears, tracheolaryngeal separation, and injuries leading to pneumomediastinum may be observed. Laryngeal traumas can occur either bluntly or penetratingly. Blunt traumas typically result from traffic accidents, falls, and sports injuries, while penetrating injuries are often caused by gunshot wounds or sharp objects. In this particular case study, the case was a 24-year-old male who was brought to the emergency room after being struck by a forklift at In his physical examination, a 10x1 cm wound was observed on his right scapula, along with subcutaneous emphysema in the subclavicular region. As a result of the examinations, the patient was found to have fractures of the larynx, thyroid cartilage, 8th rib and pneumomediastinum. In this study, it was thought that the thyroid and larynx cartilage fractures occurred as a result of hyperflexion/hyperextension of the neck without a direct blow to the neck region. This case is being presented because it is a rare occurrence in the literature, primarily due to its unique mechanism of injury.