Defined by platysma violation
Assume significant injury has occurred until proven otherwise
Never probe<unk>  wounds beneath the platysma (may disrupt hemostasis)
Multiple structures are injured in 50%
Stab wound can enter in one zone and damage another
Missed esophageal injury is leading cause of delayed death
GSW that crosses midline of 2x as likely to cause injuries to vital structures
Blunt cervical vascular injury should be treated with systemic anticoagulation<unk>  injury rarely results in unstable fracture
Assume significant injury has occurred until proven otherwise
Never probe<unk>  wounds beneath the platysma (may disrupt hemostasis)
Stab wound can enter in one zone and damage another
subclavian artery and vein
jugular vein
common carotid artery
trachea
thryroid
esophagus
apex of the lung
carotid arteries
internal jugular vein
esophagus
larynx
cranial nerves X, XI, and XII
spine
lateral pharynx
cranial nerves VII, IX, X, XI, and XII
spine
carotids
Penetrating neck trauma
Dental avulsion
Blunt neck trauma
Vertebral and carotid artery dissection
Maxillofacial trauma
Strangulation
Dental fracture
Whiplash injury