Citation

Debelmas A, Lanciaux S, Bontemps P, Khonsari RH. J. Stomatol. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 2020; 121(4): 454-456.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jormas.2019.08.010

PMID

31476541

Abstract

The authors report an unusual case of penetrating anterior neck injury in a 71-year-old female patient, who intentionally stabbed herself in a suicide attempt. The initial clinical and radiological assessment revealed that the knife had pierced through the sixth vertebral body and spinal cord, avoiding all the vital structures on the way. Surgical removal of the knife was successfully performed, and the patient was rapidly discharged, with mild neurological impairment. Although frequently described in posterior locations, neurological lesions are rare in anterior neck injuries. This case emphasizes the fact that a thorough neurological examination should be conducted in all neck injuries.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Aged; Suicide, Attempted; Suicide attempt; Neck; Neck Injuries; Wounds, Stab; Penetrating neck injury; Pharyngitis; Cerebrospinal fluid leak; Spinal cord lesion