Fractured cricoid cartilage

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Rugby tackle to anterior neck. Sore neck and hoarse voice.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male
ct

Non-contrast soft tissue recons as part of C spine trauma protocol.

Irregularity of the right aspect of the cricoid cartilage with linear hypodensity suggestive of a minimally displaced fracture. No significant airway narrowing. The thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone are intact. Symmetric vocal cords.

Case Discussion

The patient was given steroids and a laryngoscope demonstrated mild vocal cord contusion on the right but normal movement. He had several days of observation with no airway issues and clinic and laryngoscope follow up was uneventful.

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