title: Gunshot wounds to the neck.
abstract: Gunshot wounds to the neck are diagnostically and therapeutically challenging cases. We report such a case with vascular and neurologic injuries and describe the therapeutic options. Initial treatment is aimed at hemodynamic stabilization. Zone II neck injuries are managed selectively, and physical examination alone may dictate emergency surgical exploration. Spinal cord injury must be suspected and assessed clinically, as well as by computed tomography and angiography. Deteriorating or stable neurologic status and cord compression by bullet or bone fragments require surgical decompression. Improving neurologic status may be managed conservatively. In gunshot wounds to the neck, treatment should be individualized and multidisciplinary.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Program, Charity Hospital, New Orleans, LA, USA.
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Tender
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ratliff
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Awasthi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Buechter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*