Core Questions

Outline the anatomic borders of the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck.
Detail the borders and associated contents of the three zones of the neck.(Box 37.1)
List 5 hard and 5 soft signs of penetrating neck trauma (Box 37.2)
List 5 hard and 5 soft signs of vascular injury
Outline an approach to the management of a patient with a hemorrhaging penetrating neck wound.
Describe the management of a patient with a suspected venous air embolism.
Outline the steps in performing an awake intubation.
Outline the indications for imaging to screen for blunt cerebrovascular injury.(Table 37.2)
Detail the appropriate imaging studies to order in the patient at risk for or with suspected blunt cerebrovascular injury.

Wisecracks

What structure, if violated, should make you suspect injury to the deep tissues of the neck?
What study or studies is/are indicated to evaluate a patient for suspected esophageal injury.
List 4 mechanisms of morbidity and mortality that occur as the result of vascular injury in the neck.
What is the most common mechanism of injury causing blunt cerebrovascular injury?
List 3 mechanisms that cause pulmonary edema in a patient post-hanging.

In Memory of Chris O'Brien