1*Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur
2Dental surgeon, Kanpur
Background: Traumatic neck injuries (TNIs) are relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening due to the presence of vital vascular, aerodigestive, and neurological structures in a confined anatomical space. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Aim: To evaluate the clinical spectrum, severity, management, and outcomes of traumatic neck injuries in a tertiary care setting.
Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over one year at LLRH hospital & GSVM Medical College Kanpur, UP and included 95 patients with traumatic neck injuries requiring admission and intervention. Data regarding demographic profile, mechanism and type of injury, clinical presentation, anatomical zones, injury patterns, management strategies, and outcomes were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority of patients were in the 31–45 years age group (35.8%), with a male predominance (71.6%). Road traffic accidents (44.2%) were the most common mechanism, and blunt trauma (60.0%) predominated. The most frequent presenting feature was visible neck wound (75.8%), followed by bleeding (61.1%). Zone II involvement (54.7%) was most common, and soft tissue injuries (51.6%) were the predominant pattern. A total of 62.1% patients required surgical intervention, and 43.2% required ICU admission. Overall, 67.4% recovered, while 20.0% developed complications, and 12.6% mortality was observed. The most common hospital stay was 4–7 days (48.4%), with a mean duration of 6.2 ± 2.8 days. A statistically significant association was found between type of injury and outcome (p = 0.047) and between mechanism of injury and management/hospital stay (p = 0.027).
Conclusion: Traumatic neck injuries predominantly affect young males and are most commonly caused by road traffic accidents. Early recognition, prompt airway and vascular management, and timely surgical intervention are critical in improving outcomes. Penetrating injuries and RTA-related trauma are associated with increased severity, complications, and prolonged hospitalization.
Keywords: blunt trauma, clinical outcomes, penetrating trauma, road traffic accidents, Traumatic neck injury, Zone II injury.
How to cite this article: Kumar N, Sagarika. Clinical Spectrum, Severity, and Outcomes of Traumatic Neck Injuries: A Comprehensive Analysis. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 548-553. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.65
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None