Stabbing Injury of the Cervical Spinal Cord Resulting in Complete Loss of Bilateral Proprioception

Direct penetrating trauma to the spinal cord as a result of stabbing is rare. The vertebral column is strongly suited to protecting the vital neural structures underneath, especially in the midline.

A 25-year-old woman experienced a direct stabbing injury to her spinal cord, through the midline structures, resulting in bilateral dorsal column injury. She remained intact with regard to motor function despite bilateral sensory and proprioception loss.

Owing to the strength of the protective elements of the osseous structures surrounding the spinal cord, direct stabbing injuries usually result in incomplete neurologic deficits. This is generally manifested as a Brown-Sequard syndrome because of the midline ligamentous structures and spinous processes deflecting injuries laterally. Our patient experienced a direct midline puncture, resulting in a unique case of bilateral dorsal column injury. These injuries are generally treated conservatively, in the absence of a retained foreign body. Spinal cord stabbing injuries are a rare entity with interesting clinical and anatomic correlations.