Traumatic Hernia of the Lateral Pharyngeal Walls

Abstract

The following case is recorded because of its unique character. A search of the medical literature failed to reveal any similar example. Wm. C. W., a 26-year-old sergeant, a trumpet player in the regimental band, was admitted to the Station Hospital, Fort Banks, Mass., for psychiatric study. An incidental but interesting finding was a bulge, the size of an egg, in the right cervical region, just below the angle of the mandible, appearing when the patient closed his mouth and blew, as in playing a trumpet. About six months prior to admission, while blowing his trumpet, the patient felt something “give way” in the right side of his neck. Ever since he had noticed a bulge at this point when he played. Each time after blowing on his instrument, his neck would be sore and swallowing would become painful. He had a horeshoe-shaped piece of metal made with pads on each side which fitted around his neck to keep the muscles from herniating, but this afforded only slight relief. When the patient blew against pressur...