Trauma to Neck

There is an increase in the incidence of Road traffic accident (RTA), as a result of which incidence of trauma to the neck has increased over the last few decades. The anatomical location of the neck make it more vulnerable for injury and presence of many vital structures like larynx and trachea including major vessels, and nerves make the management of the neck injury even more challenging. The mode of injury to neck could be blunt, penetrating and near-hanging or strangulation. The division of neck into Zone 1, 2, and 3 is helpful in assessing the severity and grading the injury and this is helpful in planning and prioritizing the treatment. The usual signs and symptoms include stridor, dyspnea, dysphagia, ecchymosis and/or emphysema of neck, loss of laryngeal prominence following injury to neck. The assessment of injury consist of primary and secondary survey and intervention may include from close observation to surgical exploration and repair.