A fractured larynx is a rare but potentially life-threatening injury that occurs when a direct impact causes a break in the voice box. The most common cause of laryngeal trauma is a motor vehicle accident or sports injury, followed by penetrating neck injuries. The incidence of laryngeal trauma ranges between 1:14000 and 1:30000 of emergency visits. Symptoms of a fractured larynx may include throat pain, particularly when swallowing, a hoarse or lost voice, shortness of breath, coughing up frothy blood, and swelling at the front of the throat.

Laryngeal fractures can be categorized as either penetrating or blunt injuries, which can be further categorized as either high or low velocity. Most commonly, trauma to the larynx occurs as a result of a motor vehicle accident or clothesline injury. The mechanism of injury reflects the causative agent, and inherent in any injury resulting in a laryngeal fracture is the possibility of skeletal disruption, specifically, cricothyroid and cricoarytenoid dislocations.

Medical therapy for laryngeal fractures depends on the extent of the injury. For minor injuries in which cartilaginous fractures and mucosal tears are not identified, the use of antibiotics is not necessary. However, when tears are visualized or with compound fractures of the larynx, systemic antibiotics should be used to reduce the high risk of local infection and perichondritis, which may delay healing and promote airway stenosis. Early repair of injury is essential in obtaining the best outcome, and evidence suggests that ideal timing for the repair of laryngeal fractures is within the first 24-48 hours after injury. If repair occurs later, the rate of complications (dysphonia, aspiration, and tracheotomy dependence) increases considerably.