Laryngeal trauma: a review of current diagnostic and management strategies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide the most up to date information on evaluation and management of laryngeal trauma.

RECENT FINDINGS: Timely diagnosis and proper treatment of laryngeal fractures are imperative for preserving a functional larynx. This review will focus on evaluation and management strategies.

SUMMARY: The larynx provides significant functions including respiration, phonation, and airway protection. Algorithms have been developed in order to standardize the evaluation and management of these injuries to preserve a functional larynx. Physicians must diagnose and treat these laryngeal traumas in a timely fashion in order to prevent morbidity and, rarely, mortality.