SAQ 161 – Trauma – penetrating neck injury

Question 4. penetrating neck injury.

a. Injury features

• The injury crosses all three zones of the neck.
• It is deep and likely breaches platysma.
• It extends from the anterior midline toward the lateral ear, risking major aerodigestive, vascular, and neurological structures.
• A large haematoma is present.

b. Potentially injured structures

• Trachea or larynx.
• Carotid artery or jugular vein.
• Phrenic, recurrent laryngeal, or other major nerves.
• Oesophagus.

c. History

• Weapon details: number, type, length, edge, and sites of injury.
• Airway symptoms such as noisy breathing or hoarseness.
• Breathing symptoms such as dyspnoea or pleuritic chest pain.
• Circulatory symptoms and estimated blood loss.
• Neurological symptoms such as weakness or paraesthesia.