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Updated: May 4, 2026
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A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor
Published on: July 24, 2012
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Penetrating Cervical Spine Injury without Spinal Cord Damage: A Case Report
Yuki Akaike1,2, Soya Kawabata1, Takaya Imai3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan.
JBJS Case Connector
|January 8, 2026
Summary
A penetrating cervical spinal canal injury from an ice pick attack did not cause neurological deficits in a 65-year-old man. This case highlights that such severe neck injuries can occur without motor or sensory impairment.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Penetrating neck trauma can involve the cervical spine.
- Ice pick injuries present unique challenges due to their narrow and deep nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of anterior neck stabbing with an ice pick resulting in cervical spinal canal penetration.
- To discuss the management and outcomes of such injuries.
Main Methods:
- A 65-year-old male patient presented after a suicide attempt involving an ice pick to the anterior neck.
- Computed tomography (CT) confirmed spinal canal penetration at C4-5.
- Surgical removal of the foreign body under general anesthesia was performed, with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage managed using a fibrin-based sealant.
Main Results:
- The ice pick penetrated the cervical spinal canal at C4-5, narrowly missing vital structures.
- No preoperative or postoperative motor or sensory deficits were observed.
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was successfully managed with a fibrin sealant.
Conclusions:
- Penetrating cervical spinal canal injuries can occur without resulting in neurological impairment.
- Careful surgical extraction under general anesthesia, potentially with neuromonitoring, is crucial for minimizing complications in these cases.
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