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The Narrow Escape From Ice Pick Penetration Sparing Neck's Vital Structures: A Case Report
Pratik Kumar1, Prince Handa1, Ashish Gopal2
1Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, IND.
Cureus
|August 18, 2025
Summary
A rare ice pick neck injury highlights the critical need for careful surgical management. Prompt imaging and a multidisciplinary approach are vital for treating complex penetrating neck trauma.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Anatomy
Background:
- Penetrating neck injuries pose significant risks due to the density of vital anatomical structures.
- The carotid sheath, trachea, esophagus, and major nerves are particularly vulnerable.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old female presented with a rare homicidal neck injury from a metallic ice pick.
- The ice pick traversed the neck obliquely, narrowly missing critical neurovascular and visceral structures.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration and foreign body removal were successfully completed under general anesthesia.
- Postoperative left vocal cord paresis occurred, managed conservatively.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the necessity of advanced imaging and meticulous surgical planning for penetrating neck injuries.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for optimal patient outcomes in complex neck trauma cases.
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