Membranous tracheal rupture in children following minor blunt cervical trauma

Injuries to the tracheobronchial tree are well-recognized sequelae of massive blunt or penetrating injuries of the neck or chest. They may also occur as a rare complication of endotracheal intubation. We present 2 cases of a less well-recognized clinical entity, rupture of the membranous trachea following minimal blunt trauma to the neck in children. The case histories and management of this disorder are discussed. Recognition and treatment of this problem requires a high index of suspicion for the lesion and timely investigations. Open repair of the trachea to secure a stable airway is recommended for this injury, unless the wound is small and the wound edges are well approximated.