Arrow-Shot Injury to Pediatric Spinal Cord

Abstract

Penetrating spinal cord injuries (PSCI) in cervical region are extremely rare in pediatric population. Most injuries in pediatric population are accidental due to gunshot or a stab injury with a sharp or pointed object. Gun shots may result into a severe wound which is usually fatal and may result in death, quadriplegia, or serious long-term disability. Stab injuries are less severe and may result in neurological sequalae. In this paper, an unusual case of pediatric arrow shot partial cervical cord injury is reported which was managed by aggressive neurosurgical management. The arrow lodged in the cervical cord was very near to the vertebral artery leading to parapariesis which recovered well without any complications. Diagnostic imaging at admission included radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and CT angiography of the cervical region. The patient underwent early surgical intervention with removal of foreign body from the cord and subsequent dural suturing.

Management of orofacial arrow injuries at Nigerian tertiary health care hospital: A report of 30 cases

“…Again, this was quite deferent from other studies where arrow injuries were as a result of war between ethnic groups or when bow and arrow were Mobile structures and vessels in the trajectory of the injury seem not to be pushed aside but incised. Because of their unique method of penetration and relative complexity for removal, the removal of an arrow from the individual it pierces has given rise to multiple tools and techniques that certain aspects of modern management of arrow injuries can be 7, [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][34][35] attributed to. Although, our institution presently does not have specialized armamentarium for arrow removal, however, all cases were thoroughly and meticulously evaluated and managed.…”

“…If only one of the wounds is found, it can be [20][21][22] mistakenly assumed as a bullet or stab wound. In addition, literature review revealed that an arrow can tangentially hit its target, resulting in a linear slit [24][25][26][27][28][29][30] that resembles a laceration. This study evaluated various degree of orofacial arrow injuries presented and managed at this centre.…”