title: Unstable cervical spine without spinal cord injury in penetrating neck trauma.
abstract: Cervical spine instability in the neurologically intact patient following penetrating neck trauma has been considered rare or non-existent. We present a case of a woman with an unstable C5 fracture without spinal cord injury after a gunshot wound to the neck. Considerations regarding the risk of cervical spine instability are discussed, as well as suggestions for a prudent approach to such patients.
authors.affiliation: Denver Health Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, CO, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Apfelbaum
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Cantrill
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Waldman
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000150:complications*