Emergent Airway Management in the Setting of Severe Facial Trauma

Authors

Angelica Alexopoulos, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
Jackson Stevens, Corewell Health East Resident
Joseph Melrose, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-13-2025

Abstract

A healthy 35-year-old male presented to the emergency department with severe facial trauma secondary to a weight lifting accident. An emergent intubation was attempted due to respiratory compromise from bleeding and swelling, but an inability to open the jaw after induction, despite muscle relaxation, necessitated an emergent cricothyroidotomy. Imaging revealed extensive facial fractures, a prevertebral hematoma obliterating the oropharynx, and an unstable C2 fracture causing a lacerated left vertebral artery. In this case presentation, we will review the difficult airway algorithm, facial anatomy, and specific considerations in the setting of trauma.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Annual Meeting, October 10-14, 2025, San Antonio, TX

Recommended Citation

Alexopoulos A, Stevens J, Melrose J. Emergent airway management in the setting of severe facial trauma. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Annual Meeting; 2025 Oct 13; San Antonio, TX. Available from:https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21028/presentation/9418