A Rare Spinal Injury: Gunshot Wound to The Odontoid Process

Study Design. Case report. Objective. We present a 18-year-old male patient with gunshot injury through right scapular region with the bullet ending up and causing a fracture in the odontoid process. Summary of Background Data. Odontoid fracture owing to gunshot wound is an extremely rare injury. Methods. An 18-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department with gunshot injury. x-Ray imaging showed retained bullet in the odontoid process. Computed tomography scan showed fracture of the odontoid and body of scapula consistent with the trajectory of the bullet. Owing to a normal neurological examination, conservative follow-up was decided and given a Philadelphia collar. Results. At 2 years’ follow-up, patient demonstrated limited axial rotation and flexion/extension. However, no pain and neurologic problem were observed. Conclusion. Odontoid fracture owing to gunshot wound can be treated conservatively; emergency or elective surgical intervention was not necessary. In the follow-up, patient did not demonstrate any signs of neurological impairment or infection. Level of Evidence: 5

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