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Updated: May 19, 2026
07:28
A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor
Published on: July 24, 2012
Outcomes from penetrating ballistic cervical injury
J Breeze1, L Masterson, G Banfield
1Academic Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine.
Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
|August 7, 2012
Summary
Ballistic cervical injuries in UK soldiers are a major concern, primarily causing neurovascular damage. Improved neck protection is needed, as current options are impractical for military tasks.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Ballistics
Background:
- Ballistic cervical injuries pose significant risks to deployed military personnel.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a case series of ballistic cervical wounds in UK soldiers.
- To describe injury patterns and relate them to patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of UK service personnel records with neck injuries in Iraq/Afghanistan (Aug 2004 - Jan 2008).
- Exclusion of blunt or thermal injuries.
- Identification via the Joint Theatre Trauma Registry.
Main Results:
- 75 cases of penetrating cervical injury analyzed; 75% from explosive fragmentation, 25% from gunshot wounds (GSW).
- Common injuries included vascular (44%), spinal/spinal cord (43%), and airway (larynx/trachea 39%).
- 19% underwent surgery for life-threatening injuries with an 86% survival rate; overall mortality was 63%.
Conclusions:
- Penetrating ballistic neck injuries are a serious threat, predominantly causing neurovascular damage.
- Existing neck protection (collars) is impractical for soldiers.
- Development of acceptable, effective neck protection methods is urgently required.
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