Orthopedics
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This article describes a retrospective study on patients admitted to a level I trauma center between 1989 and 1993 with low-velocity gunshot wounds to the spine. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed to determine patient demographics, neurologic deficit, prophylactic antibiotic administration, and rate of infection, spine stability, and principle associated injuries. A total of 37 patients with low-velocity gunshot wounds to the spine were identified and comprised 34% of all spinal injury patients. ⋯ In the absence of hollow viscus perforation, antibiotic prophylaxis did not appear beneficial. Spinal instability was noted in three patients with cervical injury and one patient with lumbar injury, and neurologic deficit was variable despite the presence of instability. The major associated injury was vascular occlusion or disruption in 8 of 12 (66%) cervical low-velocity gunshot wounds to the spine.
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Review
'Clearing' cervical spine injuries in polytrauma patients: is it really safe to remove the collar?
Polytrauma patients are at increased risk for occult cervical spine injuries. Those unable to provide clinical clues to injury either remain in hard collars until they are able to cooperate with the physical examination or are deemed "clear of cervical injury" if the emergency room screening radiographs are without obvious bony abnormality. ⋯ Missed ligamentous injuries can lead to cervical instability, which in turn can result in permanent neurologic sequelae. This article reviews the current methodologies to "clear the cervical spine" and highlights the inadequacies.
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This article reviews some of the anatomic and mechanical aspects of thoracolumbar injuries as they relate to classification systems and stability. In addition, an overview of the initial management including surgical and conservative treatment options is provided.