Hypopharyngeal perforation after blunt neck trauma

Perforations of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus after blunt neck trauma are rare. (1-3) The previously reported causes of these injuries include a direct blow to the neck in traffic accidents, sports injuries and a hyperextension injury in which a vertebral bone spur perforated the esophagus.(4,5) Surgical repair has been advocated as the mainstay of treatment for perforation of the pharyngoesophagus,(1,6,7) although more recent literature supports the conservative management of small pharyngoesophageal tears.(8,9) We report a case of hypopharyngeal perforation after blunt neck trauma sustained from a relatively trivial bicycle accident that was managed conservatively with success. A possible mechanism of injury is discussed.