Successfully treated transoral crossbow injury to the axial spine causing mild neurologic deficit: case presentation

Abstract

Purpose

To detail the management, complications and results of a crossbow arrow injury, where the broadhead went through the mouth, tongue, soft palate, C2 vertebra, spinal canal, dural sack, exiting the neck posteriorly and the arrow shaft lodged in the spine causing mild spinal cord injury.

Methods

Case presentation.

Results

A penetrating axial cervical spine crossbow injury was treated successfully in spite of the following interdisciplinary complications: meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, re-bleeding, and cardiac arrest. The shaft was removed from the neck, and C1-3 dorsal stabilization was performed. Controlled Computed Tomography (CT) showed adequate implant position. After 4 months the patient’s fine motor skills improved, and he became able to button his shirt on his own, and to eat and drink without any help. Additionally, he was able to walk without any support. At the time of control at the outpatient clinic his behavior was adequate: he cooperated with the examining doctor and answered with short sentences although his psychomotor skills were slightly slower.

Conclusions

Although bow and crossbow spine injuries are rare nowadays they still occur. The removal of a penetrating missile resulting in such a spinal injury required a unique solution. General considerations, such as securing the airway, leaving the penetrating arrow in the neck and immobilizing both the arrow and neck for transport, thorough diagnostic imaging, preventing cerebrospinal fluid leakage, administering prophylactic antibiotics with broad coverage and stabilizing the spine if required, are advised.