Airway managements of patients with maxillofacial trauma

Abstract

Airway management in patients with maxillofacial trauma (MFT) is usually complicated. This is not only because the trauma directly involves the airway itself, but also the commonly associated injuries and conditions, such as cervical fracture and full stomach, often limit the options in management. The disruption of normal anatomy makes laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation and even placement of a pharyngeal airway not only technically difficult, but sometimes even hazardous. Additionally, these patients are often in acute respiratory distress. They are often irritable and uncooperative due to underlying hypoxemia, alcohol or drug intoxication. Airway management of MFT victims is certainly challenging, if not difficult. As the clinical condition varies greatly, each patient represents a unique challenge and therefore, no single or uniform method can be adopted. This article will focus on the techniques and instrumentations currently applicable for handling the problems.