Traumatic gunshot wound to the larynx with subsequent aspiration of the bullet

Penetrating trauma to the neck, laryngeal fracture and foreign-body aspiration are three injuries that, individually, infrequently occur in adults. Reports of penetrating neck injuries and foreign-body aspiration presenting simultaneously, have been described in the literature. The authors present the previously unreported case of a penetrating gunshot wound to the pharynx with resulting laryngeal fracture followed by aspiration of the bullet in an adult patient. In this case, appropriate treatment of the neck injuries must be prioritized along with locating and removing the aspirated foreign body.