Neck injuries: one years experience in one trauma center

ABSTRACT

Neck injuries comprise a minor but important part of trauma surgical practice. Debate still exists about the best methods to handle some cases. Thirty-three cases of neck injuries admitted to the Trauma and Surgical Emergency Unit during the period from January 1993 to January 1994 were studied. Patients were classified according to type and site of injury, stability of the patient and seriousness of presenting symptoms and signs. After examination of the data and results, the authors recommended an early exploration for patients with penetrating injuries in zone II, or I and III with signs of major trauma. A watchful 72 hours surveillance should be considered for those with blunt trauma and for those with zone I and III penetrating injuries with signs of minor trauma