A unique case of penetrating neck and cervical spine trauma resulting in vertebral artery transection and internal carotid artery laceration.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the presentation and treatment of a patient who suffered a penetrating cervical trauma resulting in occlusion of the vertebral and internal carotid arteries.

METHODS: The electronic medical record was used to collect information pertaining to the patient's clinical history.

RESULTS: A 20-year-old male suffered a unique penetrating neck injury resulting in simultaneous injuries to the internal carotid and vertebral arteries as demonstrated by pre-operative angiography. Combined endovascular and open surgical approaches were utilized to successfully manage the vascular injuries prior to foreign body extraction.

CONCLUSION: Complex penetrating cervical trauma is best managed with a multidisciplinary and multimodality approach. In appropriately selected patients, pre-operative angiography is a critical diagnostic modality that can prevent life-threatening hemorrhage following foreign body extraction.