Penetrating Neck Trauma Triage Shifts

CT angiography and clinical signs refine triage and management.

1

The traditional zonal approach to penetrating neck injuries is being replaced by selective, imaging-based management to minimize unnecessary surgeries.
2

Penetrating neck injuries represent up to 10% of trauma cases, with mortality rates reaching 10%, particularly due to hemorrhage.
3

Multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) shows high sensitivity and specificity for detecting vascular and aerodigestive injuries.
4

Hard signs of injury necessitate immediate surgical intervention, while patients without hard signs may be observed after imaging.
5

Vascular injuries occur in up to 25% of cases, with significant complications and mortality rates associated with both vascular and aerodigestive injuries.

1