Neural Regeneration Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.373668 · Published: April 10, 2023
This case report describes a rare instance of a spinal cord injury caused by a wooden object, specifically a sharpened stick that penetrated the cervical spinal cord of a 23-year-old man. Initially, the patient experienced paralysis in all limbs but quickly regained function. However, due to concerns about potential neurological damage during surgery, the patient hesitated to have the wooden object removed. After developing a fever and new neurological symptoms, the patient agreed to surgery, which led to an excellent clinical outcome. The report emphasizes the high risk of infection associated with such injuries and the need for prompt surgical removal under direct visualization.
Emphasizes the necessity of early surgical removal of wooden foreign bodies in spinal cord injuries to mitigate infection risks and prevent further neurological decline.
Highlights the importance of using MRI for accurate detection of wooden objects in spinal cord injuries, as CT scans may not always be sufficient.
Suggests that clinicians should be aware that midline penetrating spinal cord injuries may present with minimal initial neurological symptoms, requiring a high index of suspicion.