The role of tertiary neurosurgical intervention in non-missile penetrating injuries of the spine

ConclusionEarly management of NMPI should include prophylactic antibiotics and wound debridement and X-ray imaging to exclude retained blades. Bowel and lung injury must be managed accordingly. Tertiary neurosurgical referral is not routinely necessary and is only warranted for deteriorating neurology, retained blades not removable in the ER, and respiratory failure secondary to spinal cord injury. Complications include meningitis and persistent CSF leak, which should be referred timeously.
Source: European Spine Journal - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research