The Narrow Escape From Ice Pick Penetration Sparing Neck’s Vital Structures: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 21-year-old woman survived a severe ice pick injury to her neck that narrowly missed critical structures, highlighting the need for careful surgical planning.

Contribution

This case report presents a rare instance of an ice pick injury that spared vital neck structures despite its severity.

Findings

The ice pick passed close to the carotid sheath, trachea, and major nerves without causing damage.

Surgical removal was successful, though the patient developed left vocal cord paresis.

Prompt imaging and a multidisciplinary approach were critical for the patient's survival.

Abstract

Penetrating neck injuries carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality due to the concentration of vital structures within a confined space. We present a rare case of a 21-year-old woman who sustained a homicidal assault with a metallic ice pick that penetrated obliquely through the neck, passing perilously close to the carotid sheath, trachea, esophagus, and major nerves, yet without damaging any vital structures. Surgical exploration and removal were successfully performed under general anesthesia. Postoperatively, the patient developed left vocal cord paresis, which was managed conservatively. This case underscores the importance of prompt imaging, meticulous surgical planning, and a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex penetrating neck injuries.

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