Imaging in penetrating neck injuries

The neck is a close compartment wherein many vital structures like carotid and vertebral vessels, larynx, trachea, pharynx, oesophagus and spinal cord are packed closely. As a result penetrating neck injury with either sharp objects like knife or projectile injury can result in significant morbidity and mortality. There have been considerable changes in management strategies of penetrating neck injuries time to time with most of injuries managed conservatively in hemodynamically stable patients. CT angiography plays an important role in detecting injuries to structure which require immediate surgery/ endovascular intervention and helps to avoid unnecessary surgical exploration in stable patients. This article intends to familiarize radiologists with imaging features of injuries to various structures of neck which shouldn't be missed and highlight stepwise approach for evaluation of neck structures in penetrating injury.