Difficult Airway Management In Patients With Severe Post Burn Contracture of Neck

Severe anterior post-burn contracture of the neck poses the anaesthesiologist some difficult problems and results in difficult intubation when extension of the atlanto-occipital joint is impaired. Such patients must therefore have the post-burn contracture scar released before other procedures are performed, in order to ensure airway control. The fiber optic bronchoscope is considered safe and reliable in the difficult endotracheal intubation. Fiber optic bronchoscopy is felt to be the technique of choice when intubation is difficult especially when there are contractures or deformities of the larynx, manidible, or cervical spine.