title: Thoracic compression fractures as a result of shock from a conducted energy weapon: a case report.
abstract: The Taser is an electrical conducted energy weapon used by law enforcement officers throughout the United States and the world. Though generally regarded as safe, conducted energy weapons can produce injuries. In this case report we describe for the first time thoracic spine compression fractures resulting from a conducted energy weapon discharge. Physicians who may care for patients who have been exposed to a conducted energy weapon discharge should be aware of this as a possible complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1089, USA. jwinslow@wfubmc.edu
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Winslow
authors.forename: William P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Bozeman
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fortner
authors.forename: Roy L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Alson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004597:Electroshock / Q000009:adverse effects*; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D035846:Law Enforcement; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*