Changes in occurrence and management of laryngeal fractures at the Helsinki University Hospital during 25 years

Purpose Laryngeal fracture is a rare but potentially life-threatening trauma. Fractures vary from mild to dislocated and extensive with risk of severe complications. This study investigated the occurrence, clinical characteristics and management of laryngeal fractures in the last 15 years. Material and methods A retrospective population-based cohort study reviewing all laryngeal fractures at the Helsinki University Hospital in 2005–2019. Patient records and imaging studies were systematically reviewed for mode of injury, fracture type, secondary complications, treatment modality, possible airway management, length of stay, and mortality. Results were compared with corresponding data from 1995 to 2004. Results Overall 80 fracture patients were recorded (5.3/year); 79% were men and mean age was 42 years (range 18–78). Altogether 91% were closed and 9% open. While unintentional traumas were most common (54%), an increasing proportion were from intentional injury (10%) or Schaefer Gr IV in severity (35%). Altogether 46% had compromised airway and 21% needed airway intervention; airway narrowing was more common with cricoid ( p = 0.042) and multiple fractures ( p = 0.07) and correlated positively with amount of dislocation ( p = 0.001) and number of fracture lines ( p = 0.006). Surgery was performed for 33%, of which 46% were Schaefer Gr IV and 62% from intentional trauma. Mortality was 1.4%. Conclusions Deliberate and violence-related laryngeal fractures have increased. These often result in more extensive injuries predisposing to compromised airway and requiring surgical intervention and longer treatment. Most fractures are still treated conservatively with good long-term outcomes. An observation period of 24 h is recommended to detect any delayed complications. Mortality remains low.