Citation

Morrow KS, Clevenger FW. South. Med. J. 1993; 86(11): 1306-1309.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87131-5341.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Southern Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8235794

Abstract

Oropharyngeal impalement is a potentially life-threatening injury with protean manifestations. Attention to airway obstruction and active hemorrhage take initial priority. Foreign bodies are not removed outside the operating room unless they are causing immediately life-threatening compromise. The majority of injuries that cause thrombosis of the internal carotid artery are in the peritonsillar region of the lateral palate. These patients typically have a delayed onset of symptoms, sometimes more than 24 hours, so close observation is warranted.

Language: en