A case of cricothyroidotomy for facial trauma in a patient taking antiplatelet agents after a simple ground-level fall.

INTRODUCTION: Cricothyroidotomy is an emergency procedure that can be used to secure the airway in situations in which intubation and ventilation are not possible.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a case of 79-year-old male presenting with facial trauma combined with massive upper airway bleeding and swelling in which cricothyroidotomy was required to open the airway in an elderly male patient taking antiplatelet agents who suffered a simple ground-level fall.

DISCUSSION: Although emergency airway management is often required in patients with Le Fort fractures, mandibular condyle fractures exhibit a significant relationship with ground-level falls, which are not usually associated with emergency airway management. Prophylactic intubation should be considered prior to transfer or deterioration in a trauma patient with dual antiplatelet drugs and fractures of bilateral mandibular condyle.

CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of the life-threatening injuries that can be caused by simple ground-level falls in patients taking antiplatelet agents.