@article{ref1,
title="A rare spinal injury: gunshot wound to the odontoid process",
journal="Spine",
year="2019",
author="Bayram, Serkan and Akgül, Turgut and Özmen, Emre and Şar, Cüneyt",
volume="44",
number="22",
pages="E1342-E1347",
abstract="STUDY DESIGN: Case report. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>RESULTS: At 2 years' follow-up, patient demonstrated limited axial rotation and flexion/extension. However, no pain and neurologic problem were observed. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0362-2436",
doi="10.1097/BRS.0000000000003132",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000003132"
}