Bench Pressing Related Traumatic Laryngeal Fracture

Laryngeal fracture is a rare but potentially life-threatening injury requiring prompt recognition and management due to the risk of airway compromise. We present the case of a 42-year-old man who presented to a tertiary center with symptoms of dysphonia and neck pain following blunt trauma sustained when a barbell fell on him while bench pressing without assistance. Computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed a displaced fracture of the thyroid cartilage. He was managed conservatively with corticosteroids and high dependency unit airway monitoring. He recovered well and later resumed weightlifting with appropriate supervision. This case outlines the stages of assessment and management of laryngeal fractures, including airway evaluation, CT imaging and ear nose and throat (ENT) involvement. We discuss the benefit of conservative management in selected cases even when there are significant clinical findings and the importance of public health messaging to prevent such injuries. A high index of suspicion is essential for emergency physicians and ENT specialists when evaluating patients with neck trauma and voice changes.