Dorsal vertebro-medullary stab wound: Two cases from Niamey National Hospital and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Stab wounds are rare, accounting for around 25 % of all spinal cord injuries. They are the most frequent cause of penetrating wounds and occur mainly after an assault or suicide attempt. We report two cases of penetrating stab wounds of the dorsal spine. Case description: A 35-year-old male patient with no known pathological history was admitted for open trauma to the dorsal spine following the stabbing. The diagnosis of a penetrating wound of the dorsal spine responsible for Brown Sequard syndrome was evoked. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intradural hematoma and raised suspicion of an anterior spinal cord contusion opposite D6. The patient underwent a laminectomy, which revealed an anterior intradural hematoma. The postoperative course was marked by full motor recovery.A 31-year-old male patient with no known pathological history was admitted with paraplegia following open trauma to the dorsal and lumbar spine. The diagnosis of a penetrating wound of the dorsal and lumbar spine responsible for terminal cone syndrome was evoked. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested a dural hematoma or breach at D10, and spinal cord contusion at L2. The patient underwent laminectomy, with a dural tear of approximately and a spinal cord contusion on the lateral side of the cord at L1 and L2. Postoperative recovery was marked by complete sensory recovery, with no motor recovery. Conclusion: Stab wounds are rare, predominating dorsal spine injuries. MRI is the examination of choice. The prognosis depends on the nature and extent of the injury.

Keywords

• Dorsal vertebro-medullar
• Stab wound
• Niamey National Hospital