J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2012 Mar;51(3):164-166. 10.3340/jkns.2012.51.3.164.

Gunshot Injury to the Anterior Arch of Atlas

• Park JH
• Kim HS
• Kim SW
• Do NY

• KMID: 2018192
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2012.51.3.164

Abstract

Penetrating injuries to the upper cervical spine resulting from gunshots are rare in South Korea due to restrictions of gun use. Moreover, gunshot wounds to the upper cervical spine without neurological deficits occur infrequently because of the anatomic location and surrounding essential structures. We present an uncommon case involving the surgical removal of a bullet located in the anterior arch of first cervical vertebra (C1) via a transoral approach without neurological complications or subsequent mechanical instability.

Keyword

Gunshot injury; Atlas

MeSH Terms

Republic of Korea
Spine
Wounds, Gunshot

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Preoperative simple lateral radiograph and axial computed tomographic scan reveal a single lodged bullet in the anterior arch of C1.

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  Fig. 2 Postoperative axial computed tomographic scan demonstrates the complete removal of bullet.

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