Traumatic Pediatric Tracheal Rupture After Blunt Force Sporting Injury: Case Report and Review of the Literature. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taylor, Alon; Menon, Seema; Grant, Peter; Currie, Bruce; Soma, Marlene
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 131:Number 8(2022)
• Page Start: 923
• Page End: 927
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: tracheal rupture -- tracheobronchial injury -- pediatric airway -- pediatric trauma -- blunt force injury -- trachea -- pediatric airway surgery -- trauma; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/00034894211046707
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Objective: This paper presents the case of a traumatic tracheal rupture in a pediatric patient. The body of literature of the clinical features, evaluation, and management of this uncommon presentation is discussed. Case: A 13-year-old boy sustained an intrathoracic tracheal rupture whilst playing Australian Rules football. He developed hallmark clinical features of air extravasation and was intubated prior to transfer to a tertiary pediatric center for further management. After a short trial of conservative management, his respiratory status deteriorated and he was taken to the operating theater for open surgical repair of the defect. Conclusion: Traumatic rupture of the trachea is a rare injury in children. This case demonstrates the dynamic nature of this serious injury and the need for multidisciplinary care in achieving the optimal outcome.