Types
Gunshot wounds to the spine and spinal cord are divided into:
- Injuries to the soft tissues surrounding the spinal column,
- Impermeable,
- The penetrating blind,
- Penetrating through and through.
Depending on the type of injury, the clinical picture will vary.
Complaints are pending
- from the type of weapon used and the type of instrument that caused the impact,
- from the localization and extent of the damage area,
- from the type of early canal,
- from the presence of spinal cord injury .
Clinical picture
- Impaired or absent movement, muscle weakness (paresis, plegia) below the level of injury,
- Loss of sensation (anesthesia) below the level of injury,
- Central type pelvic organ dysfunction (in the form of incontinence or acute retention).
Diagnostics
- X-rays allow you to determine: the type of instrument that caused the injury, the condition of the bone structures, and the number of metal foreign bodies.
- MSCT (multislice computed tomography) is the leading diagnostic method for gunshot wounds of the spinal cord , making it possible to determine the presence of hemorrhages and foreign bodies, assess the degree of spinal cord compression, clarify the number of foreign objects, and also allows you to determine the type of injury (soft tissue injury, penetrating wound, non-penetrating wound), and conduct dynamic observation.
- Given that most of the striking elements are metal, MRI is contraindicated in these types of injuries. MRI can be performed only after removal of all metal fragments.
Treatment
Surgical treatment for penetrating injuries is performed under general anesthesia. In case of compression of the spinal cord by bone fragments, foreign bodies, or hematoma, the first stage of treatment is decompression (release) of the spinal cord from the factors compressing it, and all foreign objects are removed, if possible.
In the future, if necessary, a stabilizing operation is performed.
The neurosurgical department of the KNP KHOKL KOR performs all types of reconstructive and stabilizing operations for spinal injuries.
Leontiev Alexey
neurosurgeon of the highest category
The information provided in this article has been verified by neurosurgeon of the highest category Leontiev Alexey. It is of a general informational nature and does not replace specialist advice. For recommendations on diagnosis and treatment, a doctor's consultation is required.
Str. Troleybusna, 14, Ternopil
Mon-Fri: 8:30 - 17:30
Examination by a neurosurgeon is a key step in determining an accurate diagnosis and planning treatment for diseases of the brain and nervous system.
A professional neurosurgeon uses modern methods: MRI, CT, PET and others, which allow you to obtain detailed information about the structure and functions of the brain. Cognitive functions are also assessed.
The main goal is to detect pathology in a timely manner and begin effective treatment. The success of the recovery and the patient's quality of life in the future depend on this.
Neurosurgery is a complex field where surgical intervention requires millimeter precision. Any imprecise movement can lead to serious neurological disorders.
That is why the neurosurgical operating room must be perfectly adapted to the needs of the procedure. It ensures absolute sterility and protection against infections during open intervention.
Modern equipment systems help the surgeon work as efficiently as possible and guarantee the highest level of safety for both the patient and the medical team.
Popular destinations:
- Infectious lesions of the brain and spinal cord
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- Consequences of neurosurgical diseases and injuries
- Spine and spinal cord injuries
- Oncological diseases of the nervous system
- Combined traumatic brain injury
- Vascular diseases of the brain and neck
- Liquorice
- Isolated traumatic brain injury
- Developmental abnormalities
- Headache
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Pain syndromes in neurosurgery
- Peripheral nervous system injury
- Degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine (DDDS)
- Mononeuropathy
Advantages
When you see a neurosurgeon, you can expect:
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