Spinal Stab Wounds

Objective: Injury to the spine and spinal cord by knife and similar sharp objects is rarely seen and constitutes 1.5% of all spinal injuries. In developing countries with low socioeconomic status it is occasionally seen in accidents, but mostly in assaulted cases involving the use of knife. The aim of this study is to analyze our cases and review the literature. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 15 cases with spinal stab wounds followed and treated in our clinic between 1995 and 2010. Results: Except one, all patients were male. Localizations were cervical in 3 cases, thoracic in 8 cases, and lumbar in 4 cases. Five cases had hemisection (Brown-Sequard syndrome) findings. Three cases had surgeries and the others were treated conservatively. When the literature is reviewed, it is seen that spinal stab wounds mostly occur in young male in the cervical and upper thoracic regions. All patients diagnosed with spinal stab wounds should be analyzed in a meticulous physical examination and then should absolutely be examined with plain radiographs and computed tomography even if there is no externally visible foreign body. Magnetic resonance imaging would be helpful if there is no metallic foreign body retained and no planned emergency surgery. Conclusions: Surgery is not necessary in most of the stab wounds of spine. However, if the tip of the sharp object is still inside and if there is progressive neurological deficit or cerebrospinal fluid fistula, surgery may be necessary which was performed in 3 of total 15 cases in this study.