Unstable cervical spine without spinal cord injury in penetrating neck trauma

J D Apfelbaum; S V Cantrill; N Waldman

doi:10.1016/s0735-6757(00)90049-4

Unstable cervical spine without spinal cord injury in penetrating neck trauma

Am J Emerg Med. 2000 Jan;18(1):55-7. doi: 10.1016/s0735-6757(00)90049-4.

Authors

J D Apfelbaum¹, S V Cantrill, N Waldman

Affiliation

¹ Denver Health Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, CO, USA.

PMID: 10674533
DOI: 10.1016/s0735-6757(00)90049-4

Abstract

Cervical spine instability in the neurologically intact patient following penetrating neck trauma has been considered rare or non-existent. We present a case of a woman with an unstable C5 fracture without spinal cord injury after a gunshot wound to the neck. Considerations regarding the risk of cervical spine instability are discussed, as well as suggestions for a prudent approach to such patients.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
Emergency Treatment / methods
Female
Humans
Immobilization
Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging
Joint Instability / etiology*
Joint Instability / therapy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Neck Injuries / complications*
Risk Factors
Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging
Spinal Fractures / etiology*
Spinal Fractures / therapy
Spinal Fusion
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Wounds, Gunshot / complications*