Minor trauma--major problem. Neck injuries, retropharyngeal haematoma and emergency airway management.

Retropharyngeal haematoma as a cause of acute airway obstruction is uncommon and following low velocity neck hypertension is rare. We report the case of a 76-year-old man who, following a fall with neck hyperextension, developed a retropharyngeal haematoma which caused airway obstruction requiring cricothyroidotomy. Initially he complained of no neck pain. We discuss the importance of airway and retropharyngeal space apsessment even after only minor hyperextension injuries in the elderly. We also remind all Doctors who