Cricotracheal separation with multiple cricoid fractures after blunt neck injury: a case report

Hippokratia. 2014 Jan;18(1):65-6.

Abstract

Background/aim: Cricotracheal separation is a rare injury with fatal results in most cases. Clear guidelines are not available and several dilemmas are to be faced during patient management in such cases.

Description of case: We present a case of cricotracheal separation with multiple cricoid fractures in a 16-year-old male with blunt neck trauma.

Conclusion: Early recognition based on an index of clinical suspicion is necessary in order to establish this rare diagnosis. Intervention should preserve the laryngeal function as much as possible.

Keywords: Laryngeal trauma; cricoid fracture; cricotracheal separation; neck injury.