Management of Oropharyngeal Trauma in Children

Abstract

Oropharyngeal trauma may result in palatal and posterior pharyngeal wall injury requiring closure of lacerations and management of retropharyngeal free air. Rarely does an injury lead to retropharyngeal abscess or significant pneumomediastinum. Lateral oropharyngeal injuries require increased concern about potential neurovascular impairment. However, neither the mechanism of injury nor the degree of injury correlates with the potential for neurovascular sequelae. Since neurovascular involvement may not become clinically apparent until days or weeks after the incident, admission for observation alone should be based on the distance from the patient's home to the hospital and on the level of reliable adult supervision. Indications for medical and surgical treatment of internal carotid artery thrombosis remain controversial.