Pattern and Management Outcomes of Neck Injuries at a Tertiary Hospital in Northwestern Nigeria

Sani Dandela¹, Lawal Shu’aibu², Abdullahi Adamu¹, Suleiman Dahiru³

Keywords: Neck injury, gunshot, penetrating, zone II, neck exploration

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v5i1.0313

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v5i1.0313

Publish Date: 30-03-2026

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Author Affiliation:

1 Senior Registrar, Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Nigeria
2 Consultant Ear, Nose, and Throat Head and Neck Surgeon, Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Nigeria
3 Senior Statistician, Department of Community Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital,Katsina, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Neck injuries are potentially life-threatening because of the vital structures contained within a small anatomical area, including major blood vessels, the aerodigestive tract, the thyroid gland, and nerves. The pattern and causes of neck trauma vary across regions depending on prevailing risk factors such as violence, road traffic accidents, and occupational hazards. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern, etiology, management, and outcomes of neck injuries in our center.

Methods: This was a 3-year retrospective study of patients presenting with neck injuries at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, between January 2023 and December 2025. A total of 21 patients were analyzed. Data collected included demographic characteristics, etiology of injury, type and zonal distribution of neck injuries, interventions offered, and patient outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and Chisquare analysis was used to determine associations between etiology and type of injury, injury type and intervention, and intervention and outcome.

Results: Twenty-one patients were studied, with males accounting for 85.7% (n = 18) and females 14.3% (n = 3), a ratio of 6:1. The mean age was 34.7 years. Gunshot/banditry was the most common cause of injury (38.1%), followed by stab injuries (23.8%). Penetrating injuries predominated (81.0%), while blunt injuries accounted for 19.0%. Zone II injuries were the most common (76.2%). Conservative management was employed in 57.1% of patients, while 42.9% underwent surgical intervention. Among surgical procedures, emergency tracheostomy with neck exploration and repair was most frequently performed. Most patients were discharged (76.2%), while 14.3% left against medical advice, 4.8% absconded, and mortality was recorded in 4.8%. There was a statistically significant association between etiology and type of injury (χ²(4) = 16.68; P = 0.002).

Conclusions: Neck injuries in this study predominantly affected young adult males and were mainly caused by violence, particularly gunshot and stab wounds. Penetrating injuries and zone II involvement were most common. Selective conservative management was effective in many patients with generally favorable outcomes. Addressing rising insecurity and strengthening trauma care systems may help reduce the burden of neck injuries in the region.

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