Maxillofacial Fractures Associated With Laryngeal Injury: A Craniofacial Surgeon Should be Alert

John Chung Han Wu, Hsin Yu Chen, Chien Hung Liao, Shang Yu Wang, Chih Yuan Fu, Chih Hao Chen, Chien Tzung Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Maxillofacial fractures with concomitant laryngeal injuries put both the quality and maintenance of life in jeopardy. Because of its low incidence, it is often overlooked in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study is to review the incidence, clinical presentations, managements, and outcomes of these patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records from 2008 to 2015 was conducted at a single institute. A case series (n = 12, which contributed 22.2% of laryngeal injuries in our institute) of these patients was presented, and propensity score matching was applied for further statistical analysis. RESULTS: When comparing patients who sustained maxillofacial fractures with concomitant laryngeal injuries with patients with only maxillofacial fractures and no laryngeal injuries, subcutaneous emphysema (83.3% vs 4.2%, P < 0.001), neck pain (75.0% vs 6.3%, P < 0.001), dyspnea (75.0% vs 0%, P < 0.001), hoarseness (41.7% vs 0%, P < 0.001), neck swelling (66.7% vs 4.2%, P = 0.012), stridor (16.7% vs 0%, P = 0.037), hemoptysis (16.7% vs 0%, P = 0.037), and thoracic trauma (58.3% vs 10.4%, P = 0.001) all showed significant differences. The length of intensive care unit stay (7.42 days vs 3.21 days, P = 0.008), ventilator use (66.7% vs 18.8%, P = 0.002), and tracheostomy (58.3% vs 0%, P < 0.001) were also significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: A significant portion of laryngeal injuries is concurrent with maxillofacial fractures. As a craniofacial surgeon, we should be alert to the signs of laryngeal injury. Diagnosis of laryngeal injuries should be established before definitive surgery for maxillofacial fractures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S72-S76
JournalAnnals of Plastic Surgery
Volume82
Issue number1S Suppl 1
DOIs
StatePublished - 01 01 2019

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Maxillofacial Fractures Associated With Laryngeal Injury: A Craniofacial Surgeon Should be Alert'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this