Head & Neck Flashcards
How does the compartmentalisation and boundaries in the neck lead to deep neck space infections?
The compartmentalisation leads to spaces between facial planes
Infection or abscess can cause these spaces to distend
What are retro pharyngeal infections secondary to and what complication can occur?
Upper respiratory tract infections
Retropharyngeal abscess
Presentation of retro pharyngeal abscess
Visible bulge of oropharynx Sore throat Difficulty swallowing Stridor Temperature
If a lump in the neck moves up when asking the patient to swallow what is it most likely to involve and why?
Thyroid gland
Because thyroid gland is attached to the hyoid bone by the pre-tracheal fascia, as the hyoid bone moves up during swallowing so does the thyroid gland
Red flags for neck lump
Longer than 6 weeks Fixed, hard irregular Rapidly growing Weight loss Night sweats Change in voice (hoarseness) Difficulty swallowing
Differentials for lymphadenopathy
Superficial skin (cyst or abscess) Inflammatory lymph node Congenital lesion (thyroglossal cyst, branchial cyst) Thyroid pathology Primary (lymphoma) Secondary malignant Salivary gland Chronic infections (TB)
Wat is Waldeyers ring of lymphoid tissue?
A collection of lymphoid tissues (4 tonsils) that surrounds the upper aero digestive Group of tonsils: Pharyngeal Tubal Palatine Lingual
What is a basilar skull fracture and how does it occur?
Fracture of the skull through the cranial floor
Trauma to the skull base through the vertebral column
What is battles sign and what is it a sign of?
Bruising over the mastoid process
Basilar skull fracture
What is raccoon eyes and what is it a sign of?
Bruising around both eyes
Basilar skull fracture
What is haemotympanum and what is it a sign of?
Blood behind the eardrum
Basilar skull fracture
What are CSF rhinorrheoa and otorrheoa and what are they signs of?
Cerebrospinal fluid leak from the nose and eyes respectively
Basilar skull fracture
What are the most common facial fractures?
Nasal bone
Zygomatic bone
Mandible
Why are fractures to the bones of the mid face concerning?
They may cause separation of some or all of the mid face from the skull base
This may cause problems with the airway
How do you classify mid face fractures?
Le Fort Classification
Type 1-3
