The role of tertiary neurosurgical intervention in non-missile penetrating injuries of the spine.

Purpose: The objective of the study was to determine whether all patients with spinal non-missile penetrating injuries (NMPIs) need to be managed at a tertiary neurosurgical centre.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical, demographic, and imaging records was performed on all NMPI patients referred to the Department of Neurosurgery at Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019.

Results: Ninety-six patients were identified (94 males and 2 females) with 35 cervical, 60 thoracic, and 1 lumbar spinal stab.