PENETRATING NECK TRAUMA

Penetrating neck trauma can pose significant diagnostic and therapeuti c challenges for emergency physicians. Factors contributing to these p roblems are complex anatomy, proximity of vital structures, and potent ial for rapid deterioration of airway, vascular, or neurologic injurie s. Other contributing factors are the lack of consensus in the literat ure regarding appropriate evaluation and management of penetrating nec k injuries, and insufficient resources or experienced personnel at som e institutions. This review focuses on the key components of the histo ry and physical examinations that allow for an assessment of the sever ity and type of structures involved. in addition, current methods of a irway management, as well as ways to manage penetrating neck trauma ef ficiently and cost effectively, are discussed.