Stab injury of the spinal cord surgically treated.
The authors report a case of thoracic spinal cord stab injury with neurologic impairment that was treated surgically after injury. A literature review and case analysis indicate that surgical extraction of foreign bodies retained within the spinal canal is indicated to avoid infection, delayed myelopathy, and neurologic loss. The amount of motor and functional recovery for incomplete injuries after spinal cord stab wound can be strikingly good despite pathologic changes to severely damaged areas, and removal of retained intraspinal metallic fragment can improve this neurologic outcome. Open removal of the knife seems preferable to avoid bleeding and infection.
Manzone
P
P
Spinal Pathology Unit and Neurology and Neurosurgery Service, Hospital Julio C. Perrando, Monteagudo 1540, (3500) Resistencia, Argentina. emipat@infovia.com.ar
Domenech
V
V
Forlino
D
D
D000328:Adult; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009420:Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*