Key points:
Introduction:
Penetrating Neck Injuries (PNIs) are defined as a trauma which breaches the platysma (1). They are considered an uncommon but serious presentation which may require immediate treatment due to potential adverse outcomes (2). Generally, the treatment for PNIs can be classified into immediate surgical treatment, delayed surgical treatment and conservative (most commonly closure under local anaesthetic)(3).
Whilst globally GBH and gunshot wounds account for the majority of PNIs, Deliberate Self Harm (DSH) and other accidents are responsible for a significant proportion in the United Kingdom (4). St George’s University Hospital is a major London trauma centre covering a wide geographical population of 3.5 million and receives a large number of trauma patients through its Emergency Department (5).