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Neurogenic claudication and radiculopathy as delayed presentations of retained spinal bullet
- Source :
-
Spine Journal . Oct2009, Vol. 9 Issue 10, pe5-e8. 0p. - Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Background context: Firearm injuries to the spine may cause injury to the neurological structures and/or to the spine, including ligaments and bones. Purpose: Patients usually present with symptoms immediately after injury. However, only a few cases have been reported where a patient is neurologically intact after the initial injury but develops deficits several months or years later. Almost all these cases develop delayed neurological deficit because of bullet migration. Study design: Case report. Methods: A discussion, with a relevant review of the literature, the clinical histories, and radiological findings of two patients who experienced delayed neurological symptoms after gunshot wounds to the spine. Results: One patient presented after 14 years and the other after 5 months from the day of injury. Both cases are unique in that the delayed symptoms appeared because of formation of a reactive mass around the site of bullet impact. Lack of serial imaging studies is a barrier to the exclusion of bullet migration as an alternate cause of delayed symptoms. Conclusion: These cases illustrate that retained intraspinal bullets can present with delayed neurological findings secondary to reactive changes around the bullet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *SPINAL injuries
*NEUROLOGICAL disorders
*FIREARMS
*LIGAMENTS
*NEUROLOGY
*SYMPTOMS
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 15299430
- Volume :
- 9
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Spine Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 44259099
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2009.06.009