A penetrating neck injury: trivial trauma with serious consequences.
Life-threatening complications due to apparently minor penetrating neck injuries can occur. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy, who had what initially appeared to be a superficial stab wound to his neck. After further evaluation, he was found to have major injuries to his larynx and esophagus. This case underscores the importance of a careful evaluation after any penetrating neck injury, even one that initially appears to be trivial. The pertinent literature regarding penetrating neck trauma is reviewed.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, NY 10451, USA. waseemm2001@hotmail.com
Muhammad
M
Waseem
Joel
J
Gernsheimer
D000293:Adolescent; D000388:Air; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000293:injuries; D010614:Pharynx / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014139:Tracheostomy; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery