The article, published in the Niger Journal of Clinical Practice, discusses the management of civilian gunshot wounds (GSW) to the spine in response to the recent increase in violence and firearm attacks in society. The article presents a case study of a 47-year-old female who suffered a GSW to the lumbar spine, resulting in immediate paraplegia. Neuroradiological tests revealed a bullet lodged in the spinal canal, and surgical intervention was delayed for four weeks due to consent issues. The patient underwent laminectomy and duratomy, with the bullet successfully removed. Motor function improved three weeks after surgery, and the patient was discharged home after eight weeks of active mobilization. The case report highlights the positive outcomes of surgical intervention in appropriately selected patients, leading to satisfactory neurological recovery
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : finest treatment facility in the world
Published article
Civilian gunshot wound (GSW) to the spine is expected to increase in our environment due to the recent surge in violence and firearm attacks in the society either by herdsmen, bandits, unknown gunmen, or from exchange of gun fire with security personnel in response to insecurity issues. The management of GSW in the spine remains controversial, with no clear recommendations for surgical intervention by spine surgeons. In light of this, we report a case of civilian GSW to the lumbar spine in a…
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Niger J Clin Pract. 2023 Mar;26(3):358-361. doi: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_324_22.ABSTRACTCivilian gunshot wound (GSW) to the spine is expected to increase in our environment due to the recent surge in violence and firearm attacks in the society either by herdsmen, bandits, unknown gunmen, or from exchange of gun fire with security personnel in response to insecurity issues. The,
Niger J Clin Pract. 2023 Mar;26(3):358-361. doi: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_324_22.
ABSTRACT
Civilian gunshot wound (GSW) to the spine is expected to increase in our environment due to the recent surge in violence and firearm attacks in the society either by herdsmen, bandits, unknown gunmen, or from exchange of gun fire with security personnel in response to insecurity issues. The management of GSW in the spine remains controversial, with no clear recommendations for surgical intervention by spine surgeons. In light of this, we report a case of civilian GSW to the lumbar spine in a 47-year-old female with resultant immediate paraplegia. Neuroradiological studies revealed a large bullet lodged in the left L2/3 spinal canal. There was a 4-week wait for consent for surgery to be obtained, with no improvement in motor function during the period. She underwent laminectomy and duratomy with removal of the bullet. Motor function returned 3 weeks after the surgery, and she was discharged home 8 weeks after the surgery, actively mobilizing on a Zimmer frame. The case report demonstrates the beneficial role of surgical intervention in properly selected patients, with resultant satisfactory functional neurological recovery.
PMID:37056113 | DOI:10.4103/njcp.njcp_324_22
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Read the original publication:
Retained lumbar intradural bullet fragment with neurological recovery after delayed removal of bullet: Case report and literature review