What anatomical classification describes injuries above the vocal cords?

The classification of injuries above the vocal cords is referred to as supraglottic injuries. This term encompasses damage that occurs in the laryngeal region above the vocal cords, including the epiglottis and the supraglottic larynx. Understanding this anatomical classification is crucial in burn management and airway assessment because injuries in this area can significantly affect a patient's ability to breathe and may lead to complications such as airway obstruction.

The other classifications serve different functions: subglottic injuries refer to damage situated below the vocal cords, infraglottic injuries relate to the area extending below the vocal cords into the trachea, and tracheal injuries specifically describe damage to the trachea itself. Each of these classifications plays a role in assessing the extent of airway trauma and guiding appropriate interventions, but only the supraglottic classification pertains to injuries above the vocal cords.