Schaefer and Close developed a grading scheme for laryngeal injury. This can help identify patients who may require more aggressive therapy. The authors are from the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.
Examination: based on endoscopic and CT scan findings
Mucosal Hematoma, Laceration and/or Edema |
Fracture of the Laryngeal Skeleton |
Other Injuries |
Grade |
none |
none |
none |
0 |
minor |
none |
none |
1 |
moderate |
none or nondisplaced |
no exposed cartilage |
2 |
severe |
displaced fracture |
exposed cartilage, vocal cord immobilization |
3 |
severe |
severe and unstable; anterior half of larynx disrupted |
true and/or false cords affected |
4 |
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Surgery, general, Otolaryngology
ICD-10: ,