Author(s)

Candice Colby, Charles Moore

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, USA.

The neck is a complex pathway for numerous critical structures and is defined by layers of fascial planes and spaces. Traumatic interruption of these planes can occur with injury to any of the mucosal structures within the head and neck, and is often seen as a consequence of pharyngeal injury. Here, the identification and management of two interesting and unique cases of penetrating oropharyngeal trauma are discussed: oropharyngeal trauma following abuse, and a self-inflicted pharyngeal wound with subsequent foreign body ingestion. We also review the literature regarding diagnosis, treatment, and management of traumatic pharyngeal perforation, and discuss possible complications.

Pharynx; Trauma; Penetrating Injury; Neck; Foreign Body

Colby, C. and Moore, C. (2012) Pharyngeal trauma: Two unique case reports. Open Journal of Clinical Diagnostics, 2, 59-62. doi: 10.4236/ojcd.2012.23013.