====== Gunshot wounds to the spine ======

===== Indications for surgery =====

1. injury to the cauda equina (whether complete or incomplete) if nerve root compression is demonstrated
((Robertson DP, Simpson RK. Penetrating Injuries Restricted to the Cauda Equina: A Retrospective Review. Neurosurgery. 1992; 31:265–270)).

2. neurologic deterioration: suggesting the possibility of [[spinal epidural hematoma]]

3. compression of a nerve root

4. Cerebrospinal fluid fistula

5. spinal instability: very rare with isolated GSW to the spine