Scapulothoracic dissociation and blunt vertebral vascular injury: case report / > Disociación escapulo-torácica y trauma cerrado de arteria vertebral: reporte de un caso

Abstract Case Description: A 24-year-old male suffers from a motor vehicle accident with penetrating neck trauma and concomitant closed left cervicothoracic trauma. Clinical Findings: High impact trauma causing hypovolemic shock, left zone I penetrating neck trauma, ischemia due to blunt trauma to the axillary vessels, and brachial plexus injury. Transection of the vertebral artery on angiotomography. Diagnosed with scapulothoracic dissociation and vertebral artery trauma. Treatment and outcome: Axillary arteriovenous reconstruction, fasciotomies, non-surgical approach of the vertebral artery trauma, and deferred treatment of the brachial plexus trauma were performed. Survival of the patient and his limb, with major neurologic sequelae Clinical Relevance: The case presented here is an example of scapulothoracic dissociation with associated trauma to the vertebral artery, injuries that are uncommon and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of the injuries and a multidisciplinary approach for this complex case by surgical board reviews at various levels within the course of care were key determinants in the patient's improved prognosis. This case report presents an analysis of the diagnostics, treatment, and course; considering in-hospital care and the decision-making process as determinants for the prognosis in a polytrauma patient.

Resumen Descripción del caso: Varón de 24 años que sufre accidente automovilístico con trauma penetrante de cuello y trauma cerrado cervico torácico izquierdo concomitante. Hallazgos clínicos: Shock hipovolémico, trauma en zona I cuello izquierdo, isquemia por trauma cerrado de vasos axilares y lesión por trauma cerrado del plexo braquial; producto de trauma de alto impacto. Sección de arteria vertebral por angiotomografia. Se diagnostica disociación escapulo-torácica y trauma de arteria vertebral. Tratamiento y resultado: Reconstrucción vascular arterio-venosa axilar, fasciotomías y abordaje no operatorio del trauma de arteria vertebral, con manejo diferido del trauma del plexo braquial. Sobrevida del paciente y su extremidad, con secuelas neurológicas mayores. Relevancia clínica: Es un caso de disociación escapulotorácica y lesión de arteria vertebral concomitante, siendo esta una asociación infrecuente y de alta morbi-mortalidad. El reconocimiento temprano de las lesiones y un abordaje multidisciplinario de este escenario de complejidad por medio de juntas quirúrgicas en varios niveles del proceso de atención, fueron determinantes para cambiar el pronóstico del paciente. Se presenta un análisis del diagnóstico, manejo y evolución; considerando el proceso de atención hospitalaria, toma consensuada de decisiones y el pronóstico en un paciente politraumatizado.

Correlação entre escalas de avaliação da cicatrização e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes com queimaduras de cabeça e pescoço / Correlation between scar assessment scales and orofacial myofunctional disorders in patients with head and neck burns

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a correlação entre duas escalas para avaliação das cicatrizes pós-queimaduras com as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes queimados. Método Participaram do estudo 16 adultos com sequelas de queimaduras de terceiro grau em cabeça e pescoço. As etapas de coleta de dados envolveram: aplicação das escalas de avaliação da cicatrização Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) e Vancouver Scar Scale, aplicação da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandidos (AMIOFE-E) e avaliação da mobilidade mandibular. Resultados Os resultados indicaram correlação negativa moderada entre os itens de deglutição, respiração, escore total de funções e escore total na AMIOFE-E e as escalas de cicatriz, indicando que, quanto mais grave a pontuação nessas escalas, menor a pontuação nos itens do AMIOFE-E (indicativo de maior alteração). Não foram observadas correlações entre os itens da avaliação clínica da motricidade orofacial e a escala de gravidade da cicatriz preenchida pelos pacientes. Conclusão Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que existe uma correlação entre a gravidade da cicatriz de pacientes queimados, medida por meio de escalas médicas, e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais. Pacientes que apresentarem pontuação indicativa de cicatrizes patológicas em região de cabeça e pescoço devem ser imediatamente encaminhados para avaliação miofuncional orofacial.

ABSTRACT Purpose Verify the correlation between two scar assessment scales and the presence of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) in patients with head and neck (H&N) burns. Methods Participants of this study were 16 adult individuals with H&N full-thickness burns. Data were collected through assessment of mandibular range of movement and application of the following instruments: Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Vancouver Scar Scale, and Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES). Results Results showed moderate negative correlation between the variables deglutition, breathing, total score of the functions, total score on the OMES and scores on the scar assessment scales, indicating that the higher (more severe) the scores on these scales, the lower the scores on the items of the OMES (indicative of greater OMD severity). No correlations were observed between the items of the OMES and the POSAS Patient scale. Conclusion Results suggest that there is correlation between scar severity in burn patients, measured through clinical scales, and presence of OMD. Patients who present scores indicative of H&N pathological scars should be immediately referred to orofacial myofunctional assessment.

King Vision video laryngoscope for severe post burn contracture neck: an encouraging experience / Videolaringoscópio King Vision para contratura grave do pescoço após queimadura: uma experiência encorajadora

Abstract Background and objectives Managing the airway of post burn contracture of the neck has always been challenging to anesthesiologists as it limits the alignment of oro-pharyngo-laryngeal axes because of functional and anatomical deformities that occur as a result of long standing contractures. Here the role of the King Vision video laryngoscope which is the latest in the series of video laryngoscope has been evaluated for such patients. Case report A 35 year old male patient with post burn contracture of neck was scheduled for release of the contracture. As the patient had had fixed flexion deformity of the neck we did not attempt the conventional laryngoscopy. Instead we opted for King Vision video laryngoscope. Conclusion We therefore conclude that King Vision videolaryngoscope can be used for difficult airway situations like post burn contracture of neck.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos O manejo de vias aéreas em contratura de pescoço após queimadura sempre foi um desafio para os anestesiologistas, pois a contratura limita o alinhamento do eixo orofaringolaríngeo devido às deformidades funcionais e anatômicas que ocorrem como resultado de contraturas de longa duração. Relato de caso Paciente do sexo masculino, 35 anos de idade, com contratura do pescoço após queimadura foi programado para liberação da contratura. Como estava com deformidade fixa em flexão no pescoço, não tentamos a laringoscopia convencional e optamos por usar o videolaringoscópio King Vision. Conclusão O videolaringoscópio King Vision pode ser usado em situações de via aérea difícil como a contratura de pescoço após queimadura.

Trauma cervical penetrante / Penetrating neck trauma

Aim: The aim of this study is to report the surgical outcomes in a series of patients undergoing to exploratory cervicotomy by penetrating neck trauma (PNT) in emergency department of Barros Luco-Trudeau Hospital (BLTH), between 2003 and 2013, in terms of postoperative morbidity (POM). Matherial and methods: Retrospective case series of patient undergoing exploratory cervicotomy in emergency department of BLTH, between 2003 and 2013. The outcome variable was development of POM. Other variables were age, sex, etiology and kind of injury, hemodynamic status at admission, surgical time, distribution of injuries by anatomic areas, need for re operation and intra and post operative mortality. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: During the study period, 59 exploratory cervicotomies were performed to patients with PNT, with an average age of 32,5 years old. 89,8 percent of patients were male. The POM was 33,4 percent, being the most frequent the neurological ones. The most frequent etiology was the stab with 83 percent. 66 percent of patients were hemodynamically unstable at admission. Mean operative time was 107 minutes. The most injured area was the area II. Conclusion: The PNT is a little prevalent disease. The outcomes of our study are consistent with those reported in the literature.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es comunicar los resultados quirúrgicos observados en una serie de pacientes sometidos a cervicotomía exploradora por trauma cervical penetrante (TCP) en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Barros Luco-Trudeau (HBLT), entre los años 2003 y 2013, en términos de morbilidad postoperatoria (MPO). Material y método: Serie de casos retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a cervicotomía exploradora en el servicio de urgencia del HBLT, entre el año 2003 y 2013. La variable resultado fue desarrollo de MPO. Otras variables fueron: edad, sexo, etiología y tipo de lesión, estado hemodinámico al ingreso, tiempo quirúrgico, distribución de la lesión según zona anatómica, necesidad de re operación y mortalidad intra y post operatoria. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: En el período en estudio, se realizaron 59 cervicotomías a pacientes con TCP, con un promedio de edad de 32,5 años, de los cuales el 89,8 por ciento era de sexo masculino. La MPO fue de 33,4 por ciento, siendo las más frecuentes las de tipo neurológico. La etiología más recurrente fue el arma blanca con 83 por ciento. El 66 por ciento de los pacientes se encontraban hemodinámicamente inestables al momento del ingreso. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 107 min. La zona más lesionada fue la zona II. Conclusión: El TCP es una entidad poco prevalente. Los resultados obtenidos en nuestra serie son coincidentes con lo reportado en la literatura.

Suicide pact by hanging: A case report.

Suicides are more likely to occur during periods of socioeconomic, family and individual crisis. A suicide pact is an agreement between two people to end their lives. Most suicides are solitary and private; but few results from a pact between 2 people to die together. It is predominantly made by male-female partners and by less violent methods. Suicide pact between people of the same gender is an unusual event. We discussed a case of a suicide pact where a 19-year-old male and a 20-year-old male who were friends committed suicide by hanging because of drug addiction and poverty. Two young adult male made a pact to commit suicide by hanging themselves from a ceiling hook. It is unique case in this regard. Suicide pact is also very interesting from the perspective of medical examiners. They need to make comprehensive postmortem examination to finally conclude the proper cause and the manner of death.

Rape, sodomy and murder of a minor girl.

In this short case of article on typical sexual assault, a 14 year old minor girl was killed and found in a ditch of a jungle nearby her house. The minor girl has died as a consequence of barbarous act of sexual assault, sustained bruises on labia, recent hymnal tears, and tears around anus with signs of ligature strangulation besides the generalized signs of asphyxia. The wearing garments were found torn at places with the presence of stains of mad and sand particles. The laboratory findings confirm presence of spermatozoa. The presence of marks of violence on the genitals of the child, when an early examination is made is the strong evidence that the sexual assault has been committed. The psychiatric analysis of all the accused of this kind of cases should be made mandatory for better assessment of the cases besides an active legislative and judicial actions, comprehensive quick approaches of investigative officers and healthcare providers.

Asphyxial deaths at District Hospital, Tumkur A retrospective study.

Asphyxial death forms one of the modes of death which may be suicidal, homicidal or accidental in nature. A retrospective study of autopsies conducted between years 2006 - 2010 is an attempt to know the incidence of asphyxial deaths at district hospital, Tumkur. During this period there were 2288 deaths, out of which 438 deaths were of asphyxial deaths. The most common form of asphyxial death was hanging followed by drowning. The incidences of asphyxial deaths were more in males than females in the ratio of 1.4:1. These cases were studied to know age and sex distribution of the victims. In this study, we found that among asphyxial deaths hanging were more 268 (61.18%) followed by drowning 140 (31.96%), strangulation 19 (4.33%) and others respectively. Appropriate education, influencing the media in their portrayal of suicidal news, reporting method, involvement of young generations in encouraging activities may reduce the rate of suicidal death by hanging in future.

Efficacy of Postoperative Radiograph for Evaluating the Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

BACKGROUND: After surgery for degenerative spinal disease by the anterior approach, the degree of soft tissue swelling can be assessed simply using plain radiographs. However, there are little studies according to the surgical methods or extent of surgery, and no study had addressed the clinical meaning of swelling determined by plain radiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical fusion with plate fixation for the treatment of degenerative cervical spinal disorders. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five patients that underwent anterior cervical fusion with plate augmentation for degenerative cervical spondylosis were included in this study. PSTS differences were analyzed with respect to numbers of fusion segments and location of fusion. Cases were divided into two groups based on the amount of PSTS, and incidences of dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia were evaluated. RESULTS: PSTS increments were significantly greater in patients that had undergone multi-level or high-level fusion. Complications of dyspnea, dysphagia and dysphonia were found more frequently in patients with marked PSTS group. CONCLUSIONS: Increments of PSTS after anterior cervical fusion for degenerative spinal disorders are greater and incidences of complications are higher in patients that undergo multi-level or high-level fusion. Thus, measurement of PSTS using consecutive cervical lateral radiographs after anterior cervical surgery is clinically meaningful procedure.

Efficacy of Postoperative Radiograph for Evaluating the Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

BACKGROUND: After surgery for degenerative spinal disease by the anterior approach, the degree of soft tissue swelling can be assessed simply using plain radiographs. However, there are little studies according to the surgical methods or extent of surgery, and no study had addressed the clinical meaning of swelling determined by plain radiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical fusion with plate fixation for the treatment of degenerative cervical spinal disorders. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five patients that underwent anterior cervical fusion with plate augmentation for degenerative cervical spondylosis were included in this study. PSTS differences were analyzed with respect to numbers of fusion segments and location of fusion. Cases were divided into two groups based on the amount of PSTS, and incidences of dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia were evaluated. RESULTS: PSTS increments were significantly greater in patients that had undergone multi-level or high-level fusion. Complications of dyspnea, dysphagia and dysphonia were found more frequently in patients with marked PSTS group. CONCLUSIONS: Increments of PSTS after anterior cervical fusion for degenerative spinal disorders are greater and incidences of complications are higher in patients that undergo multi-level or high-level fusion. Thus, measurement of PSTS using consecutive cervical lateral radiographs after anterior cervical surgery is clinically meaningful procedure.

Suicidal hanging: A prospective study.

The objective of this study was to focus on various factors associated with suicide by hanging at Chennai, India; with a view to identify the areas of intervention. A prospective study was carried out on 65 cases of death due to suicide by hanging which was received by the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India, during the period of August 2008- July 2009. In the present study, 84.7%% of the cases were below the age of 40years, time of hanging in 50.8% of the cases was 3am-12noon, place of hanging in 95.5% of the cases was their residence, 92.3% were living with their family and 69.2% were married. Most frequent precipitating factors were marital unhappiness (33.8%), problems associated with organic disease (18.5%) and dowry harassment (16.8%). To reduce the incidence of suicides by hanging, there is urgent need to focus on these factors.

Pattern of neck findings in suicidal hanging A study in Manipur.

Deaths due to hanging are common among suicides. In a study on 84 cases of suicidal hanging brought for autopsy to the mortuary of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal during 2004 to 2008, it was observed that 77.38% of the cases were males and 22.62% were females. The highest number of victims was in the age range of 21-40 years. 73.81% of the cases committed suicide indoors and 57.14% of them used ropes as ligature material. 85.75% of the victims had fixed knots with a single turn and 10.71% had slip knots. Complete atypical hanging constituted 88.10% of the cases. 23.81% of the cases had tear of the carotid artery and 3.57% had hyoid fractures. None of the cases had cricoid or trachea fractures. The neck findings vary depending upon the composition, multiplicity and tightness of the ligature material used, the suspension time, type of hanging, etc. Hence, the possible findings in a suspected case of hanging must be always anticipated so as to avoid any erroneous opinion.

A drop of saliva de-codes the mystery of hanging body.

A Forensic Expert sometimes asked to provide his opinion from the documents alone, particularly when the allegations were raised on the investigations, and the postmortem. Spot examinations were carried out by other doctor(s) and Forensic Scientists respectively. In the instant case there were allegations made on the fellow sports student, coach, and the investigating agencies all in connivance to pronounce the death as of suicidal hanging instead of murder. It is well known that the criminals first kill the person and then hang him to simulate it as hanging. Whenever, alcohol is detected in the blood than it creates a lot of doubts, which result into allegations from the relatives. Beside the examination of clothes, the injuries like ligature mark, their shape, size and location etc., thorough reviewing of documents & photographs plays a pivotal role in reconstructing the scene of crime. This has an importance in forming a conclusive opinion as to the cause and manner of death. In this paper, opinion regarding cause and manner of death to be of ante-mortem hanging was ascertained on reviewing the post-mortem report, photographs showing dribbling of saliva and Forensic Science Laboratory reports.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de fractura cervical en el Hospital Regional Rancagua: análisis de un periodo de 4 años / Surgical treatment of cervical fracture in the Rancagua Regional Hospital: analysis of a period of 4 years

Introducción: La gravedad, las implicancias neurológicas y el alto costo del tratamiento de la fractura cervical, hacen de esta lesión un tema de suma importancia. Esta injuria provoca graves limitaciones e invalidez a los afectados, en su mayoría en plena actividad laboral, impactando en lo médico, social y económico. Objetivos: Describir los pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente de fractura cervical traumática en el Hospital Regional Rancagua, por el equipo de Neurocirugía dentro de un periodo de 4 años. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó - 24 pacientes con antecedente de fractura cervical el mecanismo del trauma, el tiempo transcurrido desde el ingreso hospitalario hasta la cirugía, nivel y compromiso de la lesión medular, tipo de abordaje quirúrgico, complicaciones médicas, quirúrgicas y seguimiento post-operatorio, entre otros. Resultados: 5 mujeres y 19 hombres, edad promedio 39 años (rango de edad 14 a 75 años), principales mecanismos de trauma fueron los accidentes automovilísticos-atropello (58 por ciento). El nivel medular más frecuentemente lesionado fue C4-C5 (25 por ciento). En el 50 por ciento de los pacientes se clasificó de entrada como Frankel A, por lo que un 50 por ciento de todos los pacientes ingresaron tetrapléjicos, y de estos, un 33 por ciento egresó tetraparéticos. Del ingreso a cirugía hubo un tiempo de espera promedio 5 días. Dentro de las complicaciones médicas la causa respiratoria (46 por ciento) fue la más frecuente, necesitando 64 por ciento de estos pacientes ventilación mecánica. Se registró 1 infección de herida operatoria donde el abordaje fue posterior. El Índice de Barthel promedio de 14 pacientes fue de 49 puntos. De 6 pacientes con puntaje Cero, 85 por ciento de estos ingresaron como Frankel A y 50 por ciento egresaron tetrapléjicos. Los pacientes se rehabilitaron en promedio de 2.5 meses. Discusión: Logramos objetivar nuestra realidad. La técnica quirúrgica fue prácticamente uniforme entre los pacientes, sin complicaciones...

Introduction: Gravity, neurological implications and high costs of treating cervical fracture, makes of this injury an issue of most importance. This injury causes severe limitations and disability to those affected, mostly in full working activity, impacting on the medical, social and economic. Objectives: To describe patients surgically treated for traumatic cervical fracture at the Rancagua Regional Hospital, by the team of Neurosurgery Department, within a period of 4 years. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 24 patients with an history of cervical fracture mechanism of trauma, the time from hospital admission to surgery, and commitment level of spinal cord injury, type of surgery, medical and surgical complications and follow-up post -operation, among others. Results: 5 women and 19 men, average age 39 years (ranging age from 14 to 75 years), major trauma mechanisms were motor vehicle accidents (58 percent). The most frequently injured spinal level was C4-C5 (25 percent). 50 percent of patients were classified as Frankel A at the admission, so that 50 percent of all patients admitted were quadriplegics, and of these, 33 percent were discharged as tetraparétic. Admission to the surgery were an average of 5 days. Within cause respiratory medical complications (46 percent) was the most frequent, requiring 64 percent of these patients mechanical ventilation. There was only 1 wound infection where the approach was posterior. The average Barthel Index of 14 patients was 49 points. In 6 patients with zero score, 85 percent were admitted as Frankel A and 50 percent egressed as tetraplejic. Patients were rehabilitated an average of 2.5 months. Conclusions: We were able to objectify our reality. The surgical technique was nearly uniform among patients without severe postoperative surgical complications...

Fatores prognósticos nos ferimentos cervicais penetrantes / Prognostic factors of penetrating neck trauma

O pescoço é vulnerável a traumatismos devido à grande quantidade de estruturas vitais, podendo ocorrer lesões importantes e com alta morbimortalidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar resultados em pacientes vítimas de ferimentos penetrantes cervicais. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente prontuários de 39 pacientes entre 2001 e 2009. Ferimentos penetrantes foram definidos como lesões que penetravam além do músculo platisma. Foram analisados idade, gênero, etiologia, localização dos ferimentos, estruturas lesadas, tratamento e desfecho. Foi verificada a associação entre essas variáveis e o desfecho (alta ou óbito) por meio do teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Dos 39 pacientes analisados, 33 (84,62 por cento) eram homens, com média de 28 anos. A principal causa de ferimento cervical penetrante foi projétil de arma de fogo, com 19 (48,72 por cento) casos e a zona mais acometida foi a zona II, com 29 (74,36 por cento). Foram observados 13 (33,3 por cento) casos de instabilidade hemodinâmica e o tempo médio de internação dos pacientes foi de 14 (1-99) dias. A principal indicação da exploração cirúrgica foi a presença de hemorragia profusa em oito (20,5 por cento) dos casos. As principais estruturas acometidas foram veias cervicais (20,5 por cento). Ocorreram oito (20,51 por cento) óbitos. Pacientes jovens apresentaram melhor prognóstico. CONCLUSÃO: A mortalidade foi de 20,51 por cento. Pacientes com menos de 26 anos apresentaram melhor prognóstico.

The neck is vulnerable to trauma because of vital structures and possible major injuries with high morbidity and mortality rates. AIM: To evaluate the outcome in patients with penetrating cervical wounds. METHODS: The medical registries of 39 patients were analyzed retrospectively from 2001 to 2009. Penetrating wounds were defined as injuries that penetrated beyond the platysma muscle. Age, gender, etiology, wound site, injured structures, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. Fisher's exact test was adopted to establish the link between these variables and the outcome (discharge or death). RESULTS: Of 39 patients, 33 (84.62 percent) were men with a mean age of 28 years. The main cause was firearm projectiles - 19 (48.72 percent) cases; the most frequently affected zone was zone II - 29 (74.36 percent). Thirteen (33.3 percent) cases of hemodynamic instability were observed, and the average hospital stay was 14 (1-99) days. The main indication for surgical intervention was the presence of profuse hemorrhage, in eight (20.5 percent) cases. The main structures affected were the cervical veins (20.5 percent). There were eight (20.51 percent) deaths. Younger patients had a better prognosis. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate was 20.51 percent. Patients below age 26 years had a better prognosis.

Penetrating neck trauma and the aberrant subclavian artery

Vascular injuries from penetrating trauma to the base of the neck are accompanied by significant morbidity and potential mortality. These injuries require several diagnostic adjuncts in order to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Herein reported is the case of a patient who sustained penetrating injury to the thoracic inlet but had a fortuitous anomaly that prevented vascular injury and its attendant complications.

Personal apparel endangering life.

Survival after accidental pressure exerted over neck is not common. In the literature also only few cases are available. Further, the victims or their relatives seek medical assistance only if complications arise and also it is not mandatory on the part of treating private practitioner to report such cases to the police. Findings in the living on the 4th day after accidental compression of the neck by the personal apparel are described in this article. Red eyes due to scleral haemorrhages are the most striking feature and the position of knot with ligature mark is also well marked.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de los traumatismos laringotraqueales penetrantes: experiencia en el Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo / Surgical treatment of penetrating larynx and trachea trauma: experience at the Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo

Evaluar el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los traumatismos laringotraqueales penetrantes. Se evaluaron prospectivamente a 20 pacientes quienes presentaron traumatismos cervicales penetrantes y lesiones laringotraqueales entre los años 2000 y 2004, tratados en el Servicio de Cirugía Torácica del Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo. Se determinó el mecanismo de la lesión (arma blanca y arma de fuego) y la localización. Se evaluaron al ingreso las cifras tensionales y la presencia de signos y síntomas, tales como ronquera, enfisema subcutáneo, hematoma, intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas, hallazgos quirúrgicos y complicaciones postoperatorias. En este estudio se evaluaron a 20 pacientes con traumatismos cervicales penetrantes, de los cuales 11 fueron por arma de fuego, 7 por arma blanca, 1 por arpón y 1 por trauma cerrado. La región del cuello donde ocurrieron con más frecuencia las lesiones laríngeas fueron la zona II (60 por ciento), siendo la manifestación clínica más frecuente la ronquera; los hallazgos al examen físico fueron la presencia de enfisema subcutáneo. Veinte pacientes fueron sometidos a cervicotomía y las lesiones más frecuentes se localizaron en tráquea y el cartílago tiroides. Los traumatismos laringotraqueales se han incrementado en los últimos años y requieren un tratamiento especializado debido a la elevada morbilidad y mortalidad. Es importante un diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado con la finalidad de lograr una buena evolución postoperatoria.

Fracture of hyoid bone in cases of asphyxial deaths resulting from constricting force round the neck.

When any case of hanging, strangulation or throttling comes to the Department of Forensic Medicine for Post-mortem examination, the hyoid bone becomes the most integral part of internal examination at the autopsy table. Many authors and workers in this field have seriously highlighted fracture of hyoid bone. Some have claimed hyoid bone fracture in about 20% cases of hanging. Some have claimed hyoid bone fracture in about 68% cases of hanging. They also claimed that hyoid bone fracture increases with age above 40 years due to calcification and immobilization of joints. Some also claimed that hyoid bone fracture increases with using hard ligature for hanging and strangulation. Fracture of hyoid bone has been ascribed to many factors like manners of constriction, level of application of ligature or force of constriction, long drop or short drop suspension, age of victim, sex of victim etc. Besides getting hyoid bone fracture at autopsy table, it is also very important to check whether it is ante-mortem or post-mortem in nature or just an artifact. For this difficulty some have even advised preautopsy X-ray of the neck structures to detect ante-mortem hyoid bone fracture. Observing the importance given to hyoid bone fracture in hanging, ligature strangulation and throttling cases by many authors at the past and present days, the present authors have taken up the study in 257 cases of hanging, 7 cases of ligature strangulation and 5 cases of throttling to notice that hyoid bone fracture is nil or very rare in hanging where as it is very common in both forms of strangulation.