Head and Neck Wounds

Overview

A practical emergency and surgical approach to deep lacerations, stab wounds, gunshot injuries, and shrapnel injuries involving the head and neck. In this region, the size of the skin opening does not define the danger; a small puncture wound in the neck may hide a track passing near the carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, esophagus, salivary ducts, or cranial nerves. The golden on-call rule is simple: start with ATLS, secure the airway and circulation, never blindly clamp a vessel in the neck, and never let a quiet-looking superficial wound distract you from a dangerous deep...