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