Penetrating neck wounds: is evidence of chest injury an indication for exploration?

Goldberg, P A; Knottenbelt, J D; van der Spuy, J W · Injury · 1991

retrospective_cohort · Level III

Where this comes from

Abstract

A total of 94 patients who sustained a penetrating wound in the neck had evidence of chest penetration. Using a policy of selective management 19 were explored. All patients with important vascular injury were hypotensive on admission or had an expanding haematoma. There were no complications in the 75 patients who were managed conservatively. Penetration of the chest is not an indication for exploration in neck wounds.

Medical subject headings