![hard signs neck trauma hard signs neck trauma](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7k4zOF-Oxfc/VdoAOGcqLnI/AAAAAAAABLA/ugOsCSZThjs/s320/Hardsigns.001.jpg)
![hard signs neck trauma hard signs neck trauma](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZrMAAOSwgeFl2gO3/s-l1600.jpg)
Hyperextension injuries result from shear and tensile forces acting on the aerodigestive structures fixed against the cervical vertebral bodies. Particular findings include horizontal thyroid cartilage fractures (Figure 1), fractures of the superior thyroid cornua as well as hyoid fractures (Figure 2), malalignment and malposition injuries. Strangulation injuries, such as from assault or hanging, are associated with characteristic findings that result primarily from crush injuries to the anterior neck against the rigid cervical vertebral bodies. Specific patterns and mechanisms of injuryĪlthough the spectrum of injury from blunt or penetrating trauma to the neck is broad, several identifiable patterns exist which correspond to specific mechanisms of injury. This review will discuss the common imaging features and management implications of traumatic injury to the soft tissues of the neck, particularly emphasizing laryngotracheal and pharyngoesophageal injury. The role of the radiologist is therefore increasingly important. Management paradigms in blunt and penetrating neck trauma have evolved over time to increasingly rely on imaging – particularly multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) – to guide surgical, endovascular and medical intervention. While the presentation is often less dramatic, internal laryngotracheal and pharygoesophageal trauma from foreign body ingestion and instrumentation are comparatively common forms of injury that will likely account for a higher fraction of traumatic neck injuries in centers without Level 1 trauma designation. Resultant injuries such as laryngotracheal separation and carotid dissections can be devastating. Additionally, complex and high-impact mechanisms of injuries can compel the neck into extremes of hyperextension, hyperflexion and hyperrotation, subjecting the soft tissue structures to severe shear and tensile forces. The aerodigestive and vascular anatomy of the neck is particularly susceptible to injury in direct blunt or penetrating trauma to the anterior neck (Table 1). 2 Missed pharyngoesophageal perforation carries an associated 20% mortality.
![hard signs neck trauma hard signs neck trauma](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/necktrauma-170504054635/95/penetrating-neck-trauma-6-638.jpg)
![hard signs neck trauma hard signs neck trauma](https://coreem.net/content/uploads/2018/04/Hard-Signs-in-Penetrating-Neck-Injury-Sperry-2013.png)
1-6 By some reports, laryngotracheal injury in blunt trauma can carry up to 40% mortality. 1 Not surprisingly, however, the associated morbidity and mortality can he high. Fortunately, injury to the neck soft tissues accounts for a relatively small number of trauma resuscitations. doi:10.1371/ soft tissue trauma to the neck can involve critical upper aerodigestive and cerebrovascular structures whose relatively simple physiologic functions are basic to life support. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and chronic cognitive impairment: A scoping review. McInnes K, Friesen CL, Mackenzie DE, Westwood DA, Boe SG. Discussing sexual health after traumatic brain injury: an unmet need!. Interventions for managing skeletal muscle spasticity following traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury-induced sleep disorders. Assessing connectivity related injury burden in diffuse traumatic brain injury. Traumatic alterations in consciousness: traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury: current treatment strategies and future endeavors. Galgano M, Toshkezi G, Qiu X, Russell T, Chin L, Zhao LR.