Les traumatismes externes du larynx

Objective : Laryngeal injuries are rare. They can be isolated or associated with fractures of the facial skeleton. Early diagnosis and proper initial management may sometimes be difficult or delayed. The indication for surgery depends on the extent of the injury. Materials and methods : We report a retrospective review including thirty patients with laryngeal trauma treated over a 25-year period Results : The mean age was 30 years. Commonest cause of injury was cut throat injuries followed by road traffic accidents. Fibreoptic endoscopy was performed for all the patients. Ct scan was done for 16 patients. All the patients were classified selon la classification de Schaeffer. More then the half (54%) was classified in stage I and II. Surgery was indicated for 16 patients. The treatment was conservative for all the cases. The middle recurrence was 2 years. Three of our patients developped a sous glottic stenosis. Two of them had a laryngoplasty type Rethi. Conclusion : Their symptoms are variable ranging from obvious airway obstruction to minor or almost missing symptoms. A coordinated team approach is necessary for proper management of these injuries.