Tracheal Transection Following Blunt Neck Trauma: Airway Management

 Tracheal Transection Following Blunt Neck Trauma: Airway Management

Airway injury is a commonly associated pathology following penetrating or blunt traumatic injury directed at the upper chest, neck and face. A quick clinical diagnosis is crucial when potential airway injury exists after blunt trauma to the neck. Clinically, blunt trauma to the neck may present with hemoptysis, dyspnea, air leak, pneumomediastinum, poor oxygen saturation, decreased air movement on auscultation, phonation alterations and altered mental status depending on the detrimental effects of the patient’s ability to ventilate. This case report will focus on the presentation and management of a patient having suffered blunt, high-pressure trauma to the upper chest and neck.