A Case Report of Pediatric Laryngeal Fracture

Abstract

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.