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.
Waseem
Muhammad
M
Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, NY 10451, USA. waseemm2001@hotmail.com
Gernsheimer
Joel
J
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