Tracheobronchial Injuries Caused by Blunt Trauma

Abstract

Tracheobronchial injuries, once rare complications of blunt trauma to the anterior neck and chest, are becoming more common. Traffic accidents account for most of these injuries. There are several possible mechanisms for airway rupture, the site of which is dictated by the location of the trauma and the points of airway fixation. The vast majority of cervical tracheal injuries occur above the fourth tracheal ring, whereas thoracic tracheal and bronchial lesions tend to occur in the vicinity of the carina. The presence of respiratory distress and signs of air leak, such as subcutaneous emphysema and persistent pneumothorax despite thoracostomy tube drainage, characterize many of these injuries. In some patients, however, the paucity of clinical findings leads to a delay in diagnosis until a late complication, such as lung collapse or suppuration; occurs. Flexible bronchoscopy remains the most valuable tool for diagnosis. Early surgical repair is recommended except for some minor injuries, which can be managed expectantly and with close follow-up. Patients who reach the hospital alive have a good prognosis.