Penetrating Neck Trauma

The fellow should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the special anatomical concerns associated with penetrating trauma to the neck
  • Describe the role of the classic “zones” of the neck and recognize the limitations associated with this approach
  • Identify the clinical signs/symptoms that necessitate immediate operative management in neck trauma
  • Describe the role for non-operative management of penetrating injuries to the neck
  • Describe treatment options for vascular injuries to the neck including open and endovascular techniques
  • Describe treatment options for cervical esophageal injuries
  • Describe treatment options for tracheal injuries and role of tracheostomy in these patients
Resources
  • Topic Summary
  • AAST Education Module - Traumatic Esophageal Injury
  • AAST Education Module - Penetrating Cervical Vascular Injuries
  • AAST Education Module - The Difficult Airway
  • Meet the Mentors - Management of Esophageal Injuries
  • Meet the Mentors - Trauma Airway Management
  • Overview Article
    • Hamilton JM, Chan TG, Moore CE. Penetrating Head and Neck Trauma: A Narrative Review of Evidence-Based Evaluation and Treatment Protocols. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2023.
  • Additional Resources
    • Piaseczny M, La J, Chaplin T, Evans C. Protect That Neck! Management of Blunt and Penetrating Neck Trauma. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2023.
    • Chandrananth ML, Zhang A, Voutier CR, Skandarajah A, Thomson BNJ, Shakerian R, Read DJ. 'No zone' approach to the management of stable penetrating neck injuries: a systematic review. ANZ J Surg. 2021. 
    • Amico F, Bendinelli C, Balogh ZJ. Penetrating neck trauma: No zone, no problem? ANZ J Surg. 2021.
    • Stafforini NA, Singh N. Management of Vascular Injuries in Penetrating Trauma. Surg Clin North Am. 2023.
    • Jason L. Sperry, MD, MPH; Ernest E. Moore, MD, et al., J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2013.  Western Trauma Association critical decisions in trauma: penetrating neck trauma