A Rare Spinal Injury: Gunshot Wound to The Odontoid Process.

Spine (Phila Pa 1976)

Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.

Published: November 2019

Study Design: Case report.

Objective: We present a 18-year-old male patient with gunshot injury through right scapular region with the bullet ending up and causing a fracture in the odontoid process.

Summary Of Background Data: Odontoid fracture owing to gunshot wound is an extremely rare injury.

Methods: An 18-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department with gunshot injury. x-Ray imaging showed retained bullet in the odontoid process. Computed tomography scan showed fracture of the odontoid and body of scapula consistent with the trajectory of the bullet. Owing to a normal neurological examination, conservative follow-up was decided and given a Philadelphia collar.

Results: At 2 years' follow-up, patient demonstrated limited axial rotation and flexion/extension. However, no pain and neurologic problem were observed.

Conclusion: Odontoid fracture owing to gunshot wound can be treated conservatively; emergency or elective surgical intervention was not necessary. In the follow-up, patient did not demonstrate any signs of neurological impairment or infection.

Level Of Evidence: 5.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000003132DOI Listing

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