Author: James Hargreaves / Editor: Sarah Edwards / Codes: RC2, RP1, RP4, SLO3, SLO4 / Published: 23/01/2025
A fit and well 28-year-old boxer presents with hoarseness and odynophagia the morning after an evening sparring session. He tells you he took a direct punch to his anterior neck and was unable to continue. He complains of anterior neck discomfort which disturbed his sleep when lying flat. He reports no breathing difficulties and has been able to eat and drink.
He takes no regular medications and is a non-smoker.
On examination, the patient is audibly hoarse but looks well. There is some mild tenderness to the left anterior aspect of the neck at the level of the thyroid cartilage. His work of breathing is normal, chest clear, and there is no thoracic tenderness. Full C-spine range of movement is painless and neurological examination is normal.
A full set of observations is performed: RR 18, Sats 96% on air, HR 85, BP 130/85, Temp 36.7, Alert.
