Retrospective analysis of spinal missile injuries

One hundred six patients with spinal missile injury from war zones were admitted to our department from 1994 to 2000. Functional recovery and complications in surgical and conservative treatment groups were evaluated. Sixty-five were treated surgically, of whom 55 (84%) had incomplete injuries (Frankel scores B, C, and D). In the conservative group, 28 (68%) had incomplete injuries. A total of 81 patients (53 in the surgical group, 28 in the conservative group) could be monitored for functional recovery. In the surgical group, 34 (64%) showed improvement, 15 (28%) were unchanged, and four (7%) worsened. In the conservative group, 17 (60%) improved, nine (32%) remained unchanged, and two (7%) worsened. Cerebrospinal fluid fistula was observed in ten patients, seven of them in the surgically treated group. Five of seven meningitides were seen in the surgically treated group. Surgical intervention is not essential for spinal gunshot injury; however, it may be beneficial for patients with CSF fistula, infectious and compressing foreign bodies in the injury site, instability, and rapid neurological deterioration.