Traumatic disruption of the cervical trachea.

: Treatment of a case of traumatic disruption of the cervical trachea has been described. This injury is not common but must be suspected in blunt chest trauma patients, with evidence of possible tracheal obstruction as in this patient. Massive subcutaneous emphysema, large air leaks, and persistent pneumothorax are more common signs of tracheobronchial disruption. Diagnosis can be made with fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and primary repair is the treatment of choice.