Anterior Neck Trauma

Abstract

In brief: Sports-related injuries to the anterior neck can cause serious airway compromise, requiring life-saving fieldside skills on the part of physicians and trainers covering the event. After reviewing the case of a recreational lacrosse player whose laryngeal injury resulted in severe respiratory distress, the authors discuss field management of anterior neck trauma, including the options for reestablishing an injured athlete's airway and the clinical signs-such as aphonia, hemoptysis, tracheal deviation, or palpable crepitus-that necessitate immediate transport to the hospital. The authors also recommend the use of neck guards to prevent such injuries.