Spinal cord injury due to penetrating missiles
Ohry, A.
Harefuah 142(10): 685-687; 718, 717
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 14565068 Document Number: 556443
Gunshot wound of the spine is a major cause of spinal cord injury among US civilian population, members of the military armed conflict personnel, or civilians injured in terrorists attacks. The bullet fragments cause damage to the spinal cord even without penetrating the spinal canal. Concussive effects, heat, fractures or vascular injury may cause the neurological damage. Unfortunately, bullet or shrapnel removal or laminectomy do not change the prognosis. In this article we review the historical background, the Israeli experience, ballistic-forensic considerations, complications, treatment and prognosis.