Abstract

 


Gunshot wounds to the upper cervical spine are often devastating with loss of spinal cord functions. Low velocity firearm damage to the upper cervical spine without neurological deficit occurs infrequently. This report documents a neurologically intact patient who sustained a gunshot wound to the clivus-C1 complex. The management with transoral removal of missile fragment without tracheostomy and follow up result were discussed. [Journal of Turgut Ozal Medical Center 1997;4(4):442-445]

Key Words: Cervical spine, gunshot wounds, transoral approach