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Mild laryngeal trauma may be managed with patient observation and
adjunctive measures, such as humidified air, voice rest, steroids, and
head-of-bed elevation. If the airway becomes precarious or the patient
is at risk of airway compromise, an awake tracheotomy should be
performed in the operating room.
In general, displaced laryngeal cartilage fractures should be repaired
with miniplates to establish a stable laryngeal framework. Mucosal
lacerations should be primary repaired with 5-0 or 6-0 absorbable
sutures. Stents may be placed if the anterior commissure is significantly
injured or if there are multiple, severe endolaryngeal lacerations. These
stents are usually removed at 2 weeks post-placement via an endo-
scopic procedure in the operating room. Finally, speech therapy plays a
vital role in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients who suffer
laryngeal trauma.
VIII. References
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