Facial and penetrating neck trauma are common in modern warfare. Most injuries are minor to moderate and survivable. Training and potential body armor updates can be made. Medical personnel deploying to support OIF and OEF could benefit from specific training in the management of facial and penetrating neck injuries. A surgeon skilled in managing these injuries would likely be beneficial in a deployed setting.

A detailed description of the anatomy of the cervical branch is provided. Coinnervation of the lower lip depressors by the cervical branch remains a plausible explanation for the lower lip deformity attributed to cervical branch paralysis in some patients.