Atypical Firearm Injury to the Anterior Triangle of the Neck With an Unusual Projectile Trajectory: A Rare Case Report

The use of firearms is increasing in our society, which increases the incidence of gunshot injuries in developing countries like India. Gunshot injuries in the neck regions are significantly associated with high mortality and morbidity because of the major vascular and other vital structures present in the neck. However, it’s very rare that a bullet may have a trajectory that passes through the neck region and does not damage the vital structures. We present one such case of gunshot injury to the neck. A 20-year-old male reported to the emergency department after sustaining a gunshot wound to the left anterior cervical region of the neck. On examination, the right sternocleidomastoid muscle was taut and tender to the touch. It is very rare that a bullet injury in the neck without damage to even a single vital structure. The most critical steps in managing patients with high-velocity penetrating injuries to the head and neck region are securing an airway, controlling hemorrhage, and identifying and repairing residual traumatic deformities at the earliest possible key points for the best outcome.