Early diagnosis of acute laryngeal injuries.

Most acute laryngeal injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents. Patients with multiple injuries who present with head or chest wounds should be carefully examined for signs or symptoms of laryngeal trauma. Primary patients with laryngeal injury presenting with life-threatening airway obstruction present a special problem to the accident surgeon. Tracheostomy rather than intubation is then the procedure of choice. A high index of suspicion must be maintained if laryngeal trauma is to be recognized and treated early. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management is essential in maintaining an airway, preventing subsequent laryngeal stenosis and preserving the quality of the voice.