Isolated Cricoid Fracture After Intubation

Isolated cricoid fractures are exceedingly rare but can be life-threatening. Injuries caused by minor neck trauma related to external laryngeal manipulation or an inappropriate tube cuff size have been reported in the literature. Symptoms typically appear immediately after the traumatic episode. Voice changes, respiratory distress, or deglutition problems may be present, although some patients may initially be asymptomatic. Here, we report a case of a 28-year-old woman with a history of recurrent dysphonia and respiratory distress after an episode of voluntary drug intoxication requiring orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The initial diagnostic workup was apparently normal, but conservative treatment did not resolve the symptoms. The progressive stridor episodes ultimately led to the correct diagnosis of a posterior cricoid fracture and abscess. The airway was secure with a transient tracheostomy, and the fracture was managed conservatively with no sequelae. A high level of suspicion is essential for the timely identification of these injuries to minimize the associated morbimortality, particularly in situations without obvious neck trauma and insidious symptoms.