Otolaryngology: Open Access

Abstracto

Approach to the Patient with External Laryngeal Trauma: The Schaefer Classification

Omakobia E *,Micallef A

Although not a common presentation, laryngeal trauma can be a potentially life-threatening injury and therefore warrants close attention by relevant clinicians including general practitioners, emergency department practitioners and otolaryngologists. In our experience, since such cases are not frequently encountered, knowledge of optimal assessment and management is highly variable. In this article, we present a further case of laryngeal trauma, emphasizing the importance of a clear and structured management approach including the use of a classification system for injury severity. We hope that this will serve as a useful aide-mémoire to clinicians thus improving patient survival and long-term functional outcomes, specifically relating to breathing, speech and swallowing.