Table 3 Sites, types and mechanisms of traumatic injuries caused by LMA (modified from Michalek)
Site of injury | Types of injury | Mechanisms of injury |
|---|---|---|
Lips | Nerve injury Laceration | Compression by device, taping to device Direct trauma |
Teeth | Displacement Fracture of roots | Direct trauma Biting on SGA/bite block |
Tongue | Frenular injury Lingual nerve injury | Forceful or incorrect insertion Compression of lateral or inferior surface of the tongue by LMA |
Uvula | Ischemia and necrosis | Direct trauma Prolonged compression |
Epiglottis | Laceration Bruising | Anatomical abnormalities Forceful or oncorrect insertion |
Pharyngeal mucosa | Laceration Bruising | Forceful insertion Inadequate lubrification Prolonged insertion Too high cuff pressures |
Laryngeal apparatus | Arytenoid dislocation Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury | Direct trauma Compression of the nerve in the piriform fossa |