Management of civilian ballistic injuries to the spine: practice patterns and recovery outcomes at a level 1 trauma center.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The management of gunshot wounds to the spine remains controversial, given the limited number of cases, variability of injuries, and lack of standard treatment protocols. This study presents data from a major urban, academic, level 1 U.S. trauma center, with the aim of investigating the management pathways of spinal gunshot wounds.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single-center study spanning from 2011-2023. Thirty-nine patients with gunshot wounds to the spine were identified.

Results

Patients were predominantly male (92.3%) with a mean age of 25 years. Demographics included Black (78.4%), Hispanic (18.9%), and Caucasian (2.7%). American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) scores on presentation were: 31.6% A, 0.0% B, 5.3% C, 18.4% D, 44.7

SUBMITTER: Sconzo D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12516402 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature