Penetrating Neck Injury: A Case Report and Review of Management

Abstract

Penetrating neck injury constitutes 5-10 % of all cases seen in the emergency room. As surgeons we must be prepared to manage these cases. After stabilizing the general condition of the patient the neck injuries are assessed. Management has changed from routine exploration to selective exploration. Injury to aerodigestive tract and vessels are commonly seen.

Penetrating neck trauma from a metal object: a late diagnosed case

“…In this region, there may be widely-seen damage to multiple structures because of the intensity of vital structures, and this can extend the length of hospital stay [3]. In the current case, the metal foreign body was localized in Zone 2 and the foreign body was trapped between SCM fibers but the neurovascular structures were preserved.…”

“…), spinal cord and brachial plexus injury (quadriplegia, strain in the upper arm, pathological reflexes etc. ), or cranial nerve injury (facial asymmetry, a change of gag reflex, tongue deviation, etc) [3]. In the current case, the absence of laryngeal and tracheal injury or cranial nerve dysfunction findings might have delayed the diagnosis of penetrating trauma in the Emergency Department.…”

“…Zone 1 is classified as from the cricothyroid membrane as far as the thoracic inlet and injuries in this area are treated as upper thoracic injuries. Above the level of the mandible is evaluated as Zone 3 neck trauma [3].…”

“…The therapeutic approach in neck injury is to ensure the opening of the first airway, as in every emergency. After providing vital function, surgical exploration is the most common approach [3]. A thorough physical examination and medical history are essential and radiological examination is an important guiding diagnostic tool (3)(4).…”

“…After providing vital function, surgical exploration is the most common approach [3]. A thorough physical examination and medical history are essential and radiological examination is an important guiding diagnostic tool (3)(4). This trauma may originate from various tools and objects, which may frequently result in the lodging of blades, metal or wood fragments within the body [5].…”