Firearm Injury of the Spine; Clinical Experience and Surgical Outcome

Abstract
Background: Occurance of firearm injury in the civilian population has been increased in recent years, due to difficulties in management of firearm injuries to spine and debates make it a devastating injuries.
Aim of Study: To discusses the etiology, diagnosis and type of treatment in patients exposed to firearm injury to spine region.
Patients and Methods: This study include 3 male patients exposed to Firearm injury to spine.
1st one 17 year-old exposed to Firearm by assault from others the entrance of projectile from the back paraspinal area opposite S1 level, then it lodge to S1-S2 level left side radiologically.
2nd patient was 37 year-old exposed to Firearm, the bullet entrance from abdomen then lodge at level L5- S1 right side.
3rd case exposed to gunshot injury in ware the entrance was in the back para median opposite D12 and bullet demon-strated radiologically on D12.
All patients were admitted to hospital pre operation assessment, examination and investigation done, diagnostic imaging of spine by X-ray and computed CT-scan.
Results: Regarding the age distribution among 3 patients between 17-45 years, they are males) we see motor and sensory more affected than sphincter, back pain occur in one case only. All patients were surgically treated for extraction of firearm projectiles. No mortality in our study.
Conclusion: The ideal management of firearm injury to spine remains a matter of controversy.
We Recommend: Further studies with larger number of patients.