The Schaefer-Fuhrman classification can be used to describe the severity of laryngeal trauma.
Patient selection: laryngeal trauma
Parameters:
(1) endolaryngeal soft tissue changes (ESTC)
(2) laryngeal mucosa
(3) laryngeal fracture
(4) vocal cord (VC) injury
(5) complete laryngotracheal separation (LTS)
ESTC |
Mucosa |
Fracture |
VC Injury |
LTS |
Category |
minor hematoma |
intact |
not detectable |
no |
no |
|
edema and/or hematoma |
minor tear |
non-displaced |
no |
no |
II |
massive edema |
disrupted |
displaced with exposed cartilage |
immobile |
no |
III |
massive edema |
massive trauma |
NA |
immobile |
no |
IV |
massive edema |
NA |
2 or more fracture lines |
immobile |
no |
IV |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
yes |
V |
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Surgery, general, Emergency Medicine