Penetrating injuries of the face and neck.

Experience with 547 consecutive cases of cervical and facial penetrating trauma has indicated the value of an individualized approach rather than a firm policy of exploration for all wounds penetrating the platysma. In addition, the accumulated data suggest that the concept of separate classes of carotid injuries based on presence or absence of neurologic deficits bears further evaluation with respect to the advisability of reconstituting carotid artery flow.