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Schaefer-Fuhrman laryngeal injury classification
| Grade | Description | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minor endolaryngeal hematoma or laceration, no detectable fracture | Conservative (humidified oxygen, observation) |
| 2 | Edema, hematoma, minor mucosal injury without exposed cartilage, non-displaced fracture on CT | Conservative treatment vs. tracheostomy, panendoscopy |
| 3 | Massive edema or hematoma, mucosal tears with exposed cartilage, vocal cord immobility, displaced fractures | Tracheostomy, panendoscopy, exploration, and repair |
| 4 | As with Grade 3, but with severe mucosal disruption, multiple fractures, disruption of anterior commissure, unstable laryngeal framework | Tracheostomy, panendoscopy, exploration, and repair with possible stent placement |
| 5 | Complete laryngotracheal separation | Emergent tracheostomy, exploration, and repair |