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Cobbler's Awl Causing a Rare Pediatric Paraspinal Injury Managed Using 3D CT
Jojo James1, Mahesh Machavarapu2
1Surgery, Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, IND.
Cureus
|August 9, 2020
Summary
This case report details a rare pediatric spinal injury caused by a penetrating trauma from a cobbler's awl. Prompt surgical removal of the impaled object resulted in no complications for the child.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Neurosurgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Pediatric spinal injuries are rare, comprising a small fraction of all spinal trauma cases.
- Domestic accidents are common in childhood, but penetrating paraspinal injuries are exceptionally infrequent.
- This report focuses on a unique instance of a child sustaining a penetrating injury to the back.
Observation:
- A child presented to the emergency department (ED) with a cobbler's awl impaled in the paraspinal region.
- Neurological assessment revealed no deficits.
- Radiological imaging confirmed the awl penetrated the paravertebral muscle near the fourth lumbar vertebra.
Findings:
- The penetrating object was identified as a cobbler's awl.
- Surgical intervention was performed on an emergency basis for object removal.
- The procedure was successful, with the awl completely removed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of rare penetrating spinal trauma in pediatric domestic accidents.
- Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in such injuries.
- The successful management underscores the importance of timely emergency surgical procedures in pediatric spinal trauma.
