Penetrating zone-II neck injuries in children.
Over a 4-year period, 1,237 children under 16 years of age were managed at our level-I pediatric trauma center, of which 24 (1.9%) had zone-II penetrating neck injuries. Six of these 24 children (25%) were explored surgically with positive findings in four and negative findings in two neck explorations; five children (21%) underwent radiologic or endoscopic studies and were observed; 13 (54%) were observed only and did not require studies or exploration. Nonoperative observation of penetrating zone-II neck injuries is safe and the procedure of choice if active observation can be performed and the facilities for immediate operative intervention are available.
Hall
J R
JR
Department of Surgery, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL 60612.
Reyes
H M
HM
Meller
J L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy