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.