Laryngeal injury from a horse bite to the neck

Trauma to the neck can present significant challenges to securing an airway.Isolated fractures of the larynx are uncommon injuries.They are frequently associated with difficult mask ventilation and intubation that can result in significant morbidity.We present a case of a 56 years old male with increasing respiratory distress following a horse bite to the neck.An awake fiberoptic intubation was attempted but was unsuccessful.Hence, a decision to quickly proceed with a cricothyroidotomy was made.It is important to immediately recognize the need for a surgical airway to decrease the risk of airway related complications.