The use of the fiberoptic bronchoscope to facilitate endotracheal intubation following head and neck trauma.

The fiberoptic bronchoscope is an invaluable aid in the difficult endotracheal intubation. Its successful use with three patient groups is described: those with soft-tissue contractures of the mouth or neck; those with severe fractures of facial bones and/or mandible; those with unstable fractures or fracture-dislocations of the cervical spine. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is felt to be the technique of choice when intubation is difficult, especially when there are contractures or deformities of the larynx, manidible, or cervical spine.