'No zone' approach in the management of penetrating neck injuries - an Australian Tertiary Trauma Centre experience.

Purpose: Penetrating neck injuries (PNIs), defined as deep to the platysma, can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Management has evolved from a zone-based approach to a 'no zone' algorithm, resulting in reduced non-therapeutic neck exploration rates. The aim of this study was to examine PNIs and its management trends in an Australian tertiary trauma centre, to determine if a 'no zone' approach could be safely implemented in this population, as has been demonstrated internationally.

'No zone' approach to the management of stable penetrating neck injuries: a systematic review.

Background: Aim: to review outcomes of the 'no zone' approach to penetrating neck injuries (PNIs) with the advent of high-fidelity computed tomography-angiography (CT-A) in order to determine the most appropriate management for stable PNIs.

Design: Systematic review.

Population: Retrospective and prospective cohort studies of patients who sustained penetrating neck trauma, as defined by an injury which penetrates the platysma, and whose initial management involved CT-A evaluation.