UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Trauma

Title: Penetrating neck trauma refresher

Keywords: Neck trauma (PubMed Search)

Posted: 10/24/2024 by Robert Flint, MD (Updated: 10/31/2024)
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For penetrating neck trauma:

  1. Does it violate the platysma if no, close wound and discharge 

  2. If yes, are there any hard signs of injury like enlarging hematoma, air from the wound, difficulty swallowing, blood in the airway, respiratory distress then to the OR

  3. If no, Ct angio of the neck. If negative and no other findings admit for observation or discharge. If positive, to the OR. If equivocal, endoscopy and broncoscopy. 

    No longer think about the zones of the neck. Treat them all the same.