Laryngeal Fracture Research Articles

Non-Traumatic Laryngeal Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Non-traumatic laryngeal fractures are an extremely uncommon presentation, and the diagnosis can be missed. Recognizing these fractures is important to appropriately direct management because most have a good prognosis and result in complete recovery. This article aimed to review the characteristics of all documented cases of non-traumatic fractures of the larynx. We sought to address questions related to the etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic assessment of this condition and provide recommendations about the management of these fractures. Electronic databases, mainly PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched for relevant literature with no language or time restrictions. Since 1950, 15 cases of non-traumatic laryngeal fractures have been documented in the medical literature. Out of these, thyroid cartilage fractures have been described in 14 patients, while only one instance demonstrated a fracture in the cricoid cartilage. Patients were managed conservatively using voice rest and observation with complete recovery in all cases. All patients who present with odynophagia, hoarseness, and tenderness over the thyroid cartilage after an episode of severe coughing or sneezing, should be evaluated for a thyroid cartilage fracture using laryngoscopy and computed tomography scan. Management of the airway should be the primary priority in any laryngeal injury, and further management performed after the airway is stable.

CT-based assessment of laryngeal fracture patterns and associated soft tissue abnormality.

Acute traumatic injuries to the larynx, including fractures of the hyoid bone, cricoid, and thyroid cartilage, are uncommon injuries. The purpose of this study was to assess fracture and soft tissue patterns associated with laryngeal trauma. This was a retrospective review of patients with laryngeal fractures who presented to two level I trauma centers and underwent CT imaging. Imaging findings, including fractures of the cartilaginous structures of the larynx and hyoid bone, and soft tissue abnormalities including focal hematoma, edema with non-focal hemorrhage, and additional penetrating injuries were recorded. Frequencies of fracture patterns were recorded. Thyroid cartilage fractures were most frequently observed occurring in 45/55 patients, followed by cricoid fractures in 13/55 patients. Hyoid fractures were encountered in 8/55 patients. Multi-site fractures were observed in 12/55 patients with thyroid-cricoid fractures occurring in 8/12 patients, followed by thyroid-hyoid fractures in 2/12 patients. Most multi-site fractures occurred in association with focal supraglottic hematomas (10/12), supraglottic edema and non-focal hemorrhage (11/12), and focal subglottic hematoma (5/12). All 13 cricoid fractures occurred with either focal supraglottic hematoma (7), focal subglottic hematoma (4), or edema with non-focal hemorrhage (13). Thyroid cartilage fractures were the most frequently encountered fracture, followed by cricoid cartilage fractures. Cricoid fractures always occurred with soft tissue abnormalities. Recognition of fracture patterns in the setting of laryngeal trauma and associated patterns of soft tissue injury is important for practicing radiologists for early diagnosis of these conditions and reduction of associated morbidity. • Acute fractures to the larynx may be isolated fractures or occur as multi-focal fractures. • Thyroid cartilage fractures are the most frequent fractures followed by cricoid cartilage fractures. • Cricoid cartilage fractures always occurred in association with soft tissue abnormalities.

Predictors of Tracheostomy Decannulation in Adult Laryngotracheal Stenosis.

Predictors of tracheostomy decannulation in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis are not fully known, making prognosis difficult. The aim was to identify predictors of tracheostomy decannulation in adult patients with acquired stenosis of the larynx and/or trachea who were tracheostomy dependent. Case series. Academic teaching hospital. A total of 103 consecutive adult patients with laryngotracheal stenosis who were tracheostomy dependent and seen by the otolaryngology clinic from January 1, 2013, to August 2, 2018, were included. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, history of laryngeal cancer or head and neck radiation, or history of laryngeal fracture. The primary outcome was the presence of tracheostomy at last follow-up. The patients' etiology of stenosis, comorbid conditions, and characteristics of the stenosis were analyzed to determine if there was a statistically significant relationship with decannulation. A total of 103 patients were included: 67% of patients were women and the average age was 53.5 years. Sixty-four patients (62%) were successfully decannulated. In multivariate analysis, patients who were successfully decannulated presented to the otolaryngology clinic earlier after tracheostomy was performed, were more likely to have been intubated due to trauma, and were less likely to have gastroesophageal reflux disease. In patients with subglottic or tracheal stenosis, those with granulation tissue without firm scar were more likely to be decannulated, and those who underwent rigid dilation were less likely to be decannulated. Early evaluation by an otolaryngologist may increase the likelihood of tracheostomy decannulation in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis. Patient comorbidities may assist in predicting which patients will be successfully decannulated.

Laryngeal fractures in professional and semiprofessional ice hockey players.

ObjectiveInjuries in professional ice hockey players are common, however significant laryngeal trauma is rare. Here, we present a case series of professional and semiprofessional ice hockey players to demonstrate the mechanism and nature of laryngeal injuries they sustain during play, and to recommend best practices for treatment, prevention, and return to the ice.MethodsA retrospective case review was done of hockey‐related laryngeal injuries between 2016 and 2019 at a tertiary laryngology practice. Only semiprofessional and professional hockey players were included.ResultsIn total, four cases were included. All cases involved trauma from a hockey puck to the neck. No cases were the result of punching, fighting, high sticks or routine checking. Notably, 1 of 4 presented with severe airway compromise, requiring urgent intubation, whereas most presented with pain or a significant voice complaint. Two patients required operative intervention with open reduction and internal fixation of significantly displaced fractures. One patient experienced significant mucosal disruption with cartilaginous exposure at the posterior vocal complex requiring microflap. The average return to ice was 6 weeks for those who required operative intervention and 4 weeks for those who were managed conservatively. One patient had persistent mild dysphonia and all others had a return to baseline phonation. None were wearing neck guards or other protective equipment at the time of injury.ConclusionThough voice and airway injuries are rarely sustained by ice hockey players, they may require urgent intervention. We recommend that protective equipment be worn and improved to prevent laryngeal trauma.Level of Evidence4

Combined Pharyngeal Laceration and Laryngeal Fracture Secondary to Dog Bite: A Case Report

Dog bites are the most common animal bites, typically occurring in the head and neck region or extremities. The majority of dog bite-related injuries are superficial and require minimal medical intervention. Less commonly, dog bite injuries can be very serious when involving the airway, major blood vessels, or extensive tissue loss. To this day, there are very few case reports in the medical literature that describe severe dog bites and outline their management. We present a case of successfully treating an extensive pharyngeal laceration with a laryngeal cartilage fracture produced by an unvaccinated dog bite.

A Case Report of Pediatric Laryngeal Fracture

Background: Laryngeal fractures are one of the complications of direct damage to the neck, which can lead to airway obstruction and life-threatening conditions. Other causes of laryngeal fractures include injuries during fights, sports injuries, hangings, and iatrogenic causes. In this study, we introduce a child with a laryngeal fracture following an accidental hanging. Case Report: A 9-year-old girl was presented to the emergency department with respiratory distress and inability to speak after being hanged by her scarf. We secured the cervical spine with a hard collar and provided two intravenous (IV) lines. Then, the patient was transferred to the radiology department to perform cervical and thoracic computerized tomography (CT) scans. In the cervical CT scan, the fracture of laryngeal cartilage was detected. We repaired the fracture by prolene sutures. Then the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) ward. After 2 days, she was transferred to ward and discharged without any complications. Conclusion: The cervical trauma is a critical condition that must be managed carefully and urgently. For the rapid diagnosis of possible damage, imaging is necessary. Among all modalities, CT scan is the best choice for detection of the vertebral injuries and airway competence in emergent conditions.

Laryngeal Trauma Managed with Titanium Mesh Fixation: A Rare Case Report.

Laryngeal fractures are though uncommon they can be potentially life threatening. Comminuted laryngeal cartilage fractures are difficult to manage and various fixation techniques have been described in literature. Outcome results of fixation with different materials can be varied. We report a case of 27years old male who sustained laryngeal cartilage fracture following accidental fall. Patient underwent emergency tracheostomy and early surgical repair of fractured laryngeal thyroid cartilage with one of the newest techniques "titanium mesh fixation". After a month of surgery tracheostomy tube was removed and patient recovered with good laryngeal function. Titanium mesh fixation gave immediate effective fixation and stability to laryngeal fracture leading to good surgical outcome.

Endoscopic Z-plasty for Treatment of Supraglottic Stenosis: Experience on Nine Patients.

Supraglottic stenosis is a rare type of laryngeal stenosis that is caused by congenital laryngotracheal anomalies, iatrogenic instrumentation injuries, autoimmune disorders, infection, irradiation, chemical or thermal burns, and external blunt or penetrating trauma. The author presents his experience on nine patients using this new endoscopic surgical technique for treatment of supraglottic stenosis. Individual retrospective cohort study, tertiary referral center, university hospital. All cases of supraglottic laryngeal stenosis treated during a 10-year period at a tertiary academic medical center were reviewed. Nine patients with supraglottic stenosis treated with endoscopic uni- or bilateral z-plasty technique were determined and presented. The etiology of stenosis was iatrogenic surgical trauma in seven patients, laryngeal fracture in one patient, and systemic lupus erythematosus in the other patient. Main outcome measures were respiratory function test results, absence of dyspnea on exertion, and decannulation if tracheotomy was present preoperatively. Seven patients with tracheotomy were decannulated 1 month after surgery. All nine patients had adequate airway and were dyspnea-free. Their preop respiratory function test results improved significantly postoperatively (P < .05). For supraglottic stenosis endoscopic surgery using mucosal flaps in the form of z-plasty should be considered within the available surgical techniques. Although this type of surgery is highly successful, it is technically difficult to apply. 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E534-E539, 2021.

Suicidal ligature strangulation: a systematic review of the published literature.

To summarize the published forensic pathology evidence base in deaths concluded to be the result of suicidal ligature strangulation, an uncommon entity. Four electronic bibliographic databases Medline Ovid, Embase, Scopus, HEINonline were screened for relevant literature. No date restrictions were applied. All English language case reports or case series were included. Articles were evaluated and key data extracted according to predefined criteria. A total of 1554 references eventually yielded 24 papers with 31 eligible case reports. The location of the deaths and background circumstances and history mirror broadly those of suicide generally. The range of ligature types was diverse. 19/31 cases reported one or more knots present. In the remaining 12 cases, the ligatures did not lend themselves to knots. In only one case were laryngeal fractures reported, but the available material does not justify confidence in that report given the significance of the finding. This systematic review has identified and synthesized the evidence from 31 case reports of suicidal ligature strangulation. A forensic pathologist faced with a possible case can locate it within the spectrum of reported cases and therefore identify its common and distinguishing features. Inherent difficulties for research in forensic pathology mean that case reports are an important source of learning and evidence for the discipline. Opportunities for improvement exist especially in harmonizing terminology and standardizing techniques generally, and in reports of suicidal ligature strangulation in particular.

Long-term outcomes of high-dose single-fraction radiosurgery for chordomas of the spine and sacrum.

The current treatment of chordomas is associated with significant morbidity, high rates of local recurrence, and the potential for metastases. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as a primary treatment could reduce the need for en bloc resection to achieve wide or marginal margins. Spinal SRS outcomes support the exploration of SRS's role in the durable control of these conventionally radioresistant tumors. The goal of the study was to evaluate outcomes of patients with primary chordomas treated with spinal SRS alone or in combination with surgery. Clinical records were reviewed for outcomes of patients with primary chordomas of the mobile spine and sacrum who underwent single-fraction SRS between 2006 and 2017. Radiographic local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS), symptom response, and toxicity were assessed in relation to the extent of surgery. In total, 35 patients with de novo chordomas of the mobile spine (n = 17) and sacrum (n = 18) received SRS and had a median post-SRS follow-up duration of 38.8 months (range 2.0-122.9 months). The median planning target volume dose was a 24-Gy single fraction (range 18-24 Gy). Overall, 12 patients (34%) underwent definitive SRS and 23 patients (66%) underwent surgery and either neoadjuvant or postoperative adjuvant SRS. Definitive SRS was selectively used to treat both sacral (n = 7) and mobile spine (n = 5) chordomas. Surgical strategies for the mobile spine were either intralesional, gross-total resection (n = 5) or separation surgery (n = 7) and for the sacrum en bloc sacrectomy (n = 11). The 3- and 5-year LRFS rates were 86.2% and 80.5%, respectively. Among 32 patients (91%) receiving 24-Gy radiation doses, the 3- and 5-year LRFS rates were 96.3% and 89.9%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 90.0% and 84.3%, respectively. The symptom response rate to treatment was 88% for pain and radiculopathy. The extent or type of surgery was not associated with LRFS, OS, or symptom response rates (p > 0.05), but en bloc resection was associated with higher surgical toxicity, as measured using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5.0) classification tool, than epidural decompression and curettage/intralesional resection (p = 0.03). The long-term rate of toxicity ≥ grade 2 was 31%, including 20% grade 3 tissue necrosis, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, myelopathy, fracture, and secondary malignancy. High-dose spinal SRS offers the chance for durable radiological control and effective symptom relief with acceptable toxicity in patients with primary chordomas as either a definitive or adjuvant therapy.

MORE THAN A TICKLE IN THE THROAT: A CASE OF COUGH-INDUCED LARYNGEAL FRACTURE

SESSION TITLE: Tuesday Medical Student/Resident Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: 10/22/2019 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM INTRODUCTION: Non-traumatic rupture of the larynx is a very rare entity occurring when strong coughing or sneezing causes rupture of the laryngeal cartilage. This same pathology is more commonly seen in traumatic injuries, particularly with hanging or strangulation victims, but non-traumatic presentations are exceedingly rare. We present the fifth case reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old male travelling from Brazil presented to our emergency department (ED) with complaints of neck swelling. His past medical history is significant for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma. He had a recent worsening in his GERD symptoms when he was changed from daily Esomeprazole to Ranitidine, precipitating complaints of increased heartburn and a dry cough. On the day of the presentation, the patient began to experience further worsening cough as well as neck swelling. In the ED, vital signs were normal, mild swelling was noticed over the thyroid cartilage with subtle crepitus. There was no tenderness or hoarseness. Neck X-ray showed thickening of the anterior neck space. Neck computed tomography (CT) without contrast demonstrated a minimally displaced fractures of the thyroid cartilage (Image A) with overlying soft tissue edema and subcutaneous emphysema extending distally (Image B). Swallowing evaluation and esophagram were normal. The patient was observed on the medical ward for two days where he clinically improved and was discharged home on Esomeprazole. The patient was lost to follow up when he returned to Brazil. DISCUSSION: Review of the four published cases of non-traumatic rupture of the larynx in the literature reveal that all of the cases have been in middle aged men. Two cases were associated with sneezing and two were associated with coughing. Clinical presentations were with complaints of odynophagia, dysphagia and/or dysphonia. In all cases, imaging revealed anterior fractures associated with subcutaneous emphysema. Our patient shared all of these demographic and imaging characteristics, however our patient presented with a chief complaint of neck swelling without these other complaints. Management of these cases is conservative, typically with spontaneous resolution not requiring surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Non-traumatic laryngeal fracture is a very rare entity, typically occurring in middle age men, induced by severe coughing or sneezing. Reference #1: Fenig, M, et al. Laryngeal fracture after coughing. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 31 (2013) 1421.e1–1421.e3 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Keith Rose, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Bertin Salguero, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jonathan Stoever, source=Web Response

The Utility of Strap Muscle in Complex Type I Thyroplasties

Type I thyroplasty is a common procedure used to improve dysphonia secondary to glottic insufficiency caused by vocal fold paralysis, paresis, or bowing. Revision often involves more complex procedures that can be complicated by mucosal violation, hemorrhage, infection, and shifted or extruded implants. Intraoperative challenges can be managed successfully using autologous strap muscle rotation flaps. Review vocal fold medialization with strap muscle as a viable option for thyroplasty, particularly operations with inadvertent mucosal disruption. All operative records of the senior author's 30-year experience were queried for modified, complex, or revision type I thyroplasties. Each of these was reviewed, and only those utilizing autologous strap muscle rotation flaps for vocal fold medialization were included. Changes in voice quality were assessed using strobovideolaryngoscopic assessment of glottic closure and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores when available. Seven patients were found to have undergone eight type I thyroplasty using autologous strap muscle flaps. Improved glottic closure was seen in all patients except one. This patient, complicated by a laryngeal fracture of unknown origin discovered at the time of surgery, had worse voice with strap muscle implantation intraoperatively; therefore, the patient's fracture was reduced, and medialization was postponed. All other patients reported improved voice quality both intra- and postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative VHI-10 scores were available for two of the seven cases with successfully implanted strap muscles. A decrease in VHI-10 was observed in both cases (mean = 11). No postoperative complications occurred in any patient. Although revision thyroplasties are relatively rare, they can be challenging. The seven cases presented herein illustrate the successful and safe use of autologous strap muscle rotation flaps for complex, revision type I thyroplasty procedures. They are particularly helpful in cases requiring additional soft tissue between the thyroid cartilage and mucosa in preparation for possible future medialization after Gore-Tex or Silastic implants, and for inadvertent mucosal disruption in which using a foreign implant might pose a risk of infection. Future studies should be performed with larger populations and longer follow-up to confirm the efficacy and safety of this procedure.

Long-Term Outcomes of High-Dose Single-Fraction Radiosurgery for Chordomas of the Spine and Sacrum

Abstract INTRODUCTION To evaluate outcomes of patients with primary chordomas treated with spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone or in combination with surgery, drawing from a single-institution database to elucidate treatment options associated with durable radiographic control of these conventionally radioresistant tumors. Chordomas result in significant morbidity, with a high rate of local recurrence and potential for metastases. SRS as a primary treatment could save patients from extensive surgery. Spine SRS outcomes support exploration of its role in the durable control of these conventionally radioresistant tumors. METHODS Clinical records were reviewed for outcomes of patients with primary chordoma of the mobile spine and sacrum who underwent single-fraction SRS between 2006 and 2017. Radiographic local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS), symptom response, and toxicity were assessed in relation to extent of surgery. RESULTS In total, 35 patients with de novo chordoma of the mobile spine (49%) and sacrum (51%) received SRS with a median post-SRS follow-up of 38.8 mo (range: 2.0-122.9). The median PTV dose was 24Gy (range: 18–24Gy). Overall, 12 patients (33%) underwent definitive SRS and 23 patients (66%) underwent surgery followed by adjuvant SRS. Surgical strategies included separation surgery prior to SRS, curettage/intralesional resection, and en bloc resection in 7, 6, and 10 patients, respectively. The 3- and 5-yr LRFS rates were 86.2% and 80.5% respectively. Among 32 patients receiving 24 Gy (91%), the 3- and 5-yr LRFS were 96.3% and 89.9%. The 3- and 5-yr OS rates were 90.0% and 84.3%. The symptom response rate to treatment was 88% for pain and radiculopathy. Extent or type of surgery was not associated with LRFS, OS, or symptom response rates (P &gt; .05), but en bloc resection was associated with higher CTCAE v. 5.0 surgical toxicity compared to epidural decompression and curettage/intralesional resection (P = .03). The long-term = grade 2 SRS toxicity rate was 31%, including 17% grade 3 tissue necrosis, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, fracture, and secondary malignancy. CONCLUSION High-dose spine SRS offers the chance of durable radiographic control and effective symptom relief with acceptable toxicity for primary chordomas as either definitive or adjuvant therapy.

Should CT angiography of the supra-aortic arteries be performed systematically following attempted suicide by hanging?

PurposeCharacterize and determine the frequency of dissections of the supra-aortic arteries (SAA) and injuries to the cervical spine and pharyngolaryngeal cartilages viewed on CT scans after an attempted suicide by hanging. Materials and methodsA retrospective, single-centre study of all patients admitted for attempted suicide by hanging between January 2010 and June 2017 who received CT angiography of the SAA. Search for signs of dissection of the cervical arteries and injuries to the brain, spinal column and pharyngeal and laryngeal cartilages. The results were compared with the initial clinical severity, which was assessed indirectly by whether patients were initially admitted in an intensive care unit (ICU) or in an emergency department (ED). ResultsOut of 162 patients included, 4 presented with SAA dissection (2.5%), comprising 3 vertebral arteries and 1 external carotid artery. The cases in question were of 4 men, all in cardiac arrest on arrival and all were treated in ICU. Of the most serious cases, 18/72 (25%) had anoxia-related injuries and one also presented with a C2 fracture. No vascular lesions or signs of cerebral anoxia were observed in the 90 ED patients. Nevertheless, pharyngeal and laryngeal fractures were observed in both groups, with no significant difference. ConclusionIn our study, 2.5% of CT angiograms performed after an attempted hanging revealed SAA dissection. Crucially, only most severe patients, who have been immediately admitted to ICU suffered SAA. These results call into question the systematic indication of this exam in cases of hanging attempts.

Study of the sneezing effects on the real human upper airway using fluid–structure interaction method

Human pleural cavity pressure rises substantially because of Valsalva maneuver during sneezing. However, the deformations in the upper airway respiratory system significantly increase due to flow rate growth in sneezing, and laryngeal fracture can be mentioned as one of the symptoms of this severe deformation during the Valsalva maneuver. Therefore, the accurate study of the distribution of pressure and velocity, in this case, is very important. In the present study, using a real human upper airway model, the pressure and velocity of the air flow, generated in the tract during the sneezing, have been investigated. Moreover, using a spirometer device, the outlet flow rate from the mouth during the sneezing was obtained. The simulation results indicated that the inlet pressure to the tract, existing in the bronchus region, reached a maximum of 14 kPa. By having such pressure input, the highest deformation, created in the upper airway, was calculated using the fluid–structure interaction method and it has been confirmed that the majority of the deformation happened in the maxillary sinus as well as the thyroid cartilage.

Value of 3T craniocervical magnetic resonance imaging following nonfatal strangulation.

The aims of this study were (1) to provide an overview of craniocervical magnetic resonance imaging (MR) findings following nonfatal strangulation (NFS), (2) to detect the time dependency of the presence of these findings, and (3) to explore the additional value of MR with regard to the forensic interpretation of NFS. All 633 victims of manual strangulation between October 2011 and March 2018 were examined, including the case history and external findings. Following written consent, 114 cases were included in the study. The duration between the event, clinical forensic examination, and MR was noted. Radiologic images were reviewed by a clinical and a forensic radiologist. The case group consisted of 90 women and 24 men with a mean age of 32.5years. Delimitable external findings were present in 93% (N = 106) of cases. MR yielded a positive finding in 43% of cases (N = 49). There was no significant difference in the mean time interval between examinations between MR-positive and MR-negative cases. Perilaryngeal fluid accumulation was associated with difficulty swallowing and victims put in a chokehold. All cerebral MR were unremarkable, except for one patient with edema of the corpus callosum. The role of craniocervical MR following NFS is currently limited, particularly with regard to the forensic interpretation of NFS. MR may reveal internal injury in victims who report subjective symptoms of airway compression and in those who were placed in a chokehold. The presence of MR findings is not dependent on immediate examinations following the assault. • Magnetic resonance imaging does not currently provide additional value for the estimation of the severity of nonfatal manual strangulation. • Magnetic resonance imaging of the neck may reveal internal injury in cases without external findings, particularly in victims placed in a chokehold and with symptoms of airway compression. • The incidence of carotid artery dissections and laryngeal fractures is low in victims of nonfatal manual strangulation.

Open Reduction and Fixation in Acute Laryngeal Trauma Under Endoscopic Guidance

Acute laryngeal trauma is a great challenge for the otoloaryngologist. Early recognition, accurate evaluation and proper treatment may be crucial to immediate survival and long-term function.&#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: To describe an endoscopically-guided open reduction and adaptation plate fixation of an acute laryngeal fracture secondary to vehicular accident.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods:&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Study Design: Surgical Innovation/ Case Report&#x0D; Setting: Tertiary Hospital in Metro Manila&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Post-operative follow-up showed good vocal fold function and arytenoid position, with no food regurgitation, signs of aspiration or penetration on fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of&#x0D; swallowing.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Endoscopic guidance allows higher magnification minimizing iatrogenic mucosal damage during manipulation.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: laryngeal trauma, endoscopic technique, rigid fixation, fracture&#x0D; &#x0D;

Laryngeal fractures treated with titanium mesh fixation

The larynx plays a vital role in respiration, swallowing, and vocal function. Thus, laryngeal fractures that are not appropriately managed may lead to permanent dyspnea, dysphagia, and voice disorders. In cases of laryngeal fractures, surgical repair by internal fixation has been performed with materials such as thread, steel wire, and titanium miniplates. However, thyroid and cricoid cartilage have a complicated morphology, and ossification at each site in the cartilage is not uniform; thus, in some cases it is difficult to perform internal fixation with conventional methods. In this case report, we describe two patients who underwent successful fixation of fractures in their laryngeal cartilage after trauma by using titanium mesh with thread and screws. Since optimal reduction and fixation of fractured laryngeal cartilage cannot be performed with conventional methods in patients with unossified cartilage, titanium mesh may be considered a safe and reliable alternative.

The Case Files

The Case Files

Laryngeal anatomical variants and their impact on the diagnosis of mechanical asphyxias by neck pressure

The aims of this investigation were to determine the characteristics and prevalence of anatomical variants of the larynx apparatus and to evaluate the impact of these variants on the accurate diagnosis of laryngeal fractures.A population-based study was carried out, analyzing a series of 207 consecutive autopsied cases in the Institute of Legal Medicine of Galicia (Northwestern Spain).The prevalence of triticeal cartilage was 52.7% and that of agenesis of thyroid horns 10%. Calcification of the stylo-hyoid ligament accounted for 1.4%. We identified three new anatomical variants: the terminal segmentation of the thyroid horns (11.6%), ectopic superior thyroid horns (8%) and lateral thyrohyoid ossification (5.3%). These three names, based on anatomical criteria, are the author’s proposal to solve the lack of uniformity in the designation of these variants.Agenesis of thyroid horns were related to the presence of ectopic superior thyroid horns in 93% of cases, either uni or bilateral. The combination of variants was present in 6.8% of the cases, being the terminal segmentation of the thyroid horns in association with triticeal cartilage the most frequent (3.8%).The probability of misdiagnosis due to the presence of anatomical variations in deaths by pressure on the neck was high in this population (71.5%). The prevalence of triticeal cartilage in more than half of the sample, determined an important rate of potential errors (46.4%), followed by the mistaken diagnoses induced by terminal segmentation of thyroid horns (7.3%) and by ectopic superior thyroid horns (6.3%).The likelihood of a misdiagnosed laryngeal fracture was greater if the thyroid cartilage was affected, with a higher proportion of false positives comparing to the hyoid bone (p<0.001). The higher frequency of thyroid fractures in neck pressure together with the prevalence and location of triticeal cartilage on the lower third of the lateral thyrohyoid ligament are the main reasons for these results.Further studies should be done with larger samples to expand epidemiological data and consolidate these results and their influence on the diagnosis of mechanical asphyxias.