Cervical Tracheal Transection after Scarf Entanglement in a Go-Kart Engine

Abstract Background Tracheal disruption secondary to blunt force occurs infrequently. Most individuals suffering such an injury die before arriving at a hospital. Diagnosis for those who do present alive is often delayed, as signs and symptoms typically do not match the severity of injury. Objective...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of emergency medicine 2013-07, Vol.45 (1), p.e13-e16
Main Authors: Seims, Aaron D., MD, Shellenberger, Thomas D., DMD, MD, Parrish, Gary A., MD, Lube, Matthew W., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accidents
Adolescent
awake tracheostomy
Emergency
emergent airway management
go-kart
Humans
Laryngeal Nerve Injuries - etiology
Male
Radiography
Trachea - diagnostic imaging
Trachea - injuries
Trachea - surgery
tracheal injury
tracheal transection
Tracheostomy
Wounds, Nonpenetrating - complications
Wounds, Nonpenetrating - diagnostic imaging
Wounds, Nonpenetrating - surgery
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Tracheal disruption secondary to blunt force occurs infrequently. Most individuals suffering such an injury die before arriving at a hospital. Diagnosis for those who do present alive is often delayed, as signs and symptoms typically do not match the severity of injury. Objective The objectives of this case report are to present a unique mechanism for tracheal disruption and to discuss our management strategy. Case Report We describe an 18-year-old man who suffered tracheal disruption after entanglement of his scarf in a go-kart engine. His initial workup was conducted by emergency physicians and included computed tomographic evaluation of the neck. After diagnosis, the patient was transported to an operating suite. Awake tracheostomy was performed in this controlled environment to secure the airway, after which the trachea was repaired via primary anastomosis. Conclusions Prompt recognition and appropriate intervention are critical in the care of patients with suspected tracheal transection to prevent mortality.
ISSN:0736-4679
2352-5029
DOI:10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.11.072