title: Penetrating zone-II neck injuries in children.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL 60612.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Meller
mesh_terms: 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