A case of penetrating axillary trauma

Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2011 Dec;112(6):369-71. doi: 10.1016/j.stomax.2011.08.002. Epub 2011 Sep 28.

Abstract

Introduction: Deep penetrating traumas of the axilla extending to the neck are rare and potentially dangerous.

Observation: An 11-year-old child presented with an impressive penetrating axillary injury extending to the neck after falling on a tree branch. The wound was explored in the operating room (OR). A fragment of the branch was removed without injuring any vascular structure. The only lesion concerned the hypopharynx.

Discussion: Cervical wounds may have an axillary origin. These wounds must be systematically explored in the OR, given the risk of upper airway obstruction and vascular lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Axilla / injuries*
  • Axilla / surgery*
  • Child
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Male
  • Trees
  • Wood
  • Wounds, Penetrating / complications
  • Wounds, Penetrating / diagnosis
  • Wounds, Penetrating / etiology
  • Wounds, Penetrating / surgery*