International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 2024, 13, 285-292
https://www.scirp.org/journal/ijohns
ISSN Online: 2168-5460
ISSN Print: 2168-5452
DOI: 10.4236/ijohns.2024.134025 Jul. 25, 2024 285 Int. J. Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery
Severe Cut Throat Injury in a Child:
A Case Report and Review of Literature
Nafisatu Bello-Muhammad
1
, Hamisu Abdullahi
1*
, Yasir Nuhu Jibril
1
, Auwal Adamu
2,3
,
Manir Hamza Anka
1
, Muhammad Ghazali Hasheem
1
1
Department of ENT, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
2
Department of ENT, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria
3
Department of ENT, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Cut-throat injury is a potentially fatal condition that may be as-
sociated with serious morbidity and mortality. The neck region is particularly at
risk of serious injuries due to the location of vital structures, including nerves,
viscera, and major vessels. Although cut-throat injury is said to be rare in
children, its occurrence has been reported in some series. Management of this
condition requires a multidisciplinary approach for a better outcome. Aim: The
aim of this report is to highlight the successful management of an alarming case
of severe cut-throat injury with associated laryngeal injury in a child. Case
presentation: A 12-year-old boy presented with a cut-throat following an as-
sault by an unknown person. Examination revealed an acutely ill child, con-
scious but pale. He sustained a deep transverse laceration that transected the
thyroid cartilage, exposing the laryngeal cavity. An assessment of Zone II pene-
trating neck injury was made. He was resuscitated, and had emergency neck
exploration, tracheostomy, and repair of the injuries. The patient was followed
up for 6 months, and had a good voice outcome, with no significant complica-
tion. Conclusion: Cut-throat injury is rare in children. But it is a potentially
life-threatening condition. It is therefore important to recognize this entity and
develop effective protocol of management in our environment.
Keywords
Cut-Throat, Neck Trauma, Penetrating Neck Injury, Neck Exploration,
Tracheostomy
1. Introduction
Cut-throat injuries (CTIs) refer to open wound injuries or those resembling incised
How to cite this paper: Bello-Muhammad,
N., Abdullahi, H., Jibril, Y.N., Adamu, A.,
Anka, M.H. and Hasheem, M.G. (2024)
Severe Cut Throat Injury in a Child: A Case
Report and Review of Literature. Interna-
tional Journal of Otolaryngology and Head
& Neck Surgery, 13, 285-292.
https://doi.org/10.4236/ijohns.2024.134025
Received: May 19, 2024
Accepted: July 22, 2024
Published: July 25, 2024
Copyright © 2024 by author(s) and
Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative
Commons Attribution International
License (CC BY 4.0).
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Open Access