Complete traumatic laryngo-tracheal separation

Abstract

Laryngotracheal separation injuries are rare and potentially fatal. Immediate respiratory signs may include dysphonia, aphonia, hemoptysis, subcutaneous emphysema and a sucking wound. Patients with this injury usually die at the site of the trauma. The absolute life saving intervention for patients with laryngotracheal injury is airway control via routine intubation or emergency tracheostomy. We present an extremely rare case of complete laryngotracheal separation in a teenager driving a quad bike in a 'clothes line' type injury with chicken wire. This case highlights the need for prompt airway evaluation, radiological imaging required, surgical management and long term injury sequelae.