Isolated Contralateral Vertebral Artery Injury in a Stab Wound to the Neck

Background: Ipsilateral vertebral artery injuries are a rare entity following trauma to the neck. Case Study: The first reported case of an isolated right vertebral artery (VA) injury in a patient with a left stab wound to zone II in the neck is discussed. The patient required bilateral neck explorations (NE) and, due to massive bleeding, a median sternotomy (MS) in order to obtain vascular control of the proximal segment of the right vertebral artery. Conclusion: The importance for trauma surgeons to be familiar with basic but important vascular exposures is emphasized. In addition, the anatomy, surgical exposure, diagnosis and management of these rare injuries are discussed.