J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1997 Apr;26(4):584-588.

An Operative Case of Air-Gunshot Wound to the Thoracic Spine

• Lim SJ
• Kim YT
• Ha HG

Abstract

The authors report a rare case of air gunshot wound to the thoracic spinal cord in Korea. A case of 17 year-old girl with a air-gunshot wound to the thoracic spine was presented with paraplegia. Radiologic studies revealed a bullet in the fifth thoracic spinal canal. The cerebrospinal fluid leaked through the entry point of the bullet was noted. After laminectomy and dural opening, a intramedullary hematoma with lodged bullet in the contused cord was found. They are removed successfully with any postoperative complications. The bullet was composed of lead. We report this case focusing on the pathophysiology and surgical treatment with review of literatures.

Keyword

Air gunshot; Thoracic spine; Spinal cord injury

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Female
Hematoma
Humans
Korea
Laminectomy
Paraplegia
Postoperative Complications
Spinal Canal
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spine*
Wounds and Injuries*
Wounds, Gunshot