[Fine tuning of diagnostic procedures for gunshot wounds in the neck region]

In four patients, two men aged 25, and two aged 23 and 22 years, who were admitted or came to the emergency department, a gunshot wound was found in the cervical region. Physical examination is still the key to responsible treatment in such patients--immediate surgical exploration is seldom warranted. It is important to divide the cervical region into three anatomical parts depending upon the location of the entrance wound: zone 1 is the area between clavicula and cricoid cartilage, zone 2 between cricoid cartilage and angle of the mandible, and zone 3 between the angle of the mandible and the cranial base. Zones 1 and 3 have deep vital structures which are less accessible to physical investigation or surgical exploration. This should be taken into account in deciding for additional diagnostic procedures, such as angiography.