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Penetrating injuries to the oropharynx
H Kosaki1, N Nakamura, Y Toriyama
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Tokyo.
Insights
Penetrating oropharyngeal injuries, often caused by falls on sharp objects, primarily affect young children. These "pencil injuries" can lead to serious complications like mediastinitis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Trauma
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Oropharyngeal injuries are a significant concern in pediatric emergency care.
- Understanding the etiology and potential complications is crucial for timely intervention.
Observation:
- A review of 12 cases of penetrating oropharyngeal injuries (1984-1988) was conducted.
- Cases were compared with historical data from 1949-1959.
- Most patients were children under four, injured by falling with sharp objects in their mouths.
Findings:
- Penetrating oropharyngeal injuries can result in severe complications.
- Documented complications include retropharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis.
- The term "pencil injury" is proposed for this specific type of trauma.
Implications:
- Early recognition and management of "pencil injuries" are vital to prevent severe sequelae.
- This classification aids in standardizing the reporting and understanding of oropharyngeal trauma.
- Highlights the need for child safety measures to prevent such accidents.
Abstract:
A review was made of 12 cases of penetrating injuries to the oropharynx seen at Musashino Red Cross Hospital during the period from 1984 to 1988, and their records were compared with those of past cases with similar injuries reported in a survey for the period between 1949 and 1959. Most of the patients were children under the age of four and were injured when they fell with a sharp-edged object in the mouth. Penetrating injuries to the oropharynx occasionally cause severe complications, including retropharyngeal abscess and mediastinitis. This type of injury should be called a 'pencil injury'.