[Spinal cord injuries caused by extraspinal gunshot. A historical, experimental and therapeutic approach]

A careful study of all clinical observations reported by various authors during one century teaches us that spinal cord wounds caused by a missile path away from the spine have always had vague and mysterious mechanisms. We have simulate shots near the cervical spine included in gelatin and we have shot at pigs weighing 100 kilograms, previously anaesthetized and bio-instrumented according to J. Breteau methodology. So, we have been able to reproduce medullary wounds by shooting in the nape of the neck, away from the cervical spine. The knowledge of all mechanisms of balistic wounds, the analysis of the results obtained and a histological examination of wounded medulla leads us to the conclusion that this type of medullary wound distance from the spinal cord, is not specific and that, in fact, the missile causes an ordinary medullary contusion. While waiting for forthcoming medicinal progress, a management of treatment is suggested.