Stab Wound to Cervical Spine Resulting in Quadriplegia: a Case Report

Abstract

Penetrating spinal cord injuries are uncommon but severe. Most often, they result in incomplete spinal cord damage and rarely in a complete spinal cord transection. Depending on the level of injury, symptoms can range from mild sensory loss to complete sensory-motor deficits, and in some cases, even death. Unfortunately, there is no consensus in the management of this entities. We report the case of a 19-year-old patient who suffered from a stab wound to the cervical region, resulting in a complete spinal cord transection. Treatment was conservative, but the patient succumbed a few days later due to a pulmonary infection. Although the spinal cord is well-protected, some injuries caused by sharp, fine weapons can lead to irreversible transection. Prompt management is essential, based on a thorough clinical examination and imaging to determine the level of injury and identify associated lesions. Treatment may involve surgery, but conservative management is also applied in several cases. The prognosis varies according to the injury level and type of lesion. This work highlights the role of imaging in managing these patients and demonstrates the various therapeutic approaches that follow.