Can Surgery Improve Neurological Function in Penetrating Spinal Injury? A Review of the Military and Civilian Literature and Treatment Recommendations for Military Neurosurgeons

Abstract

Penetrating spinal injury (PSI), although an infrequent injury in the civilian population, is not an infrequent injury in military conflicts. Throughout military history, the role of surgery in the treatment of PSI has been controversial. The US is currently involved in 2 military campaigns, the hallmark of both being the widespread use of various explosive devices. The authors reviewed the evidence for or against the use of decompressive laminectomy to treat PSI to provide a triservice (US Army, Navy, and Air Force) consensus and treatment recommendations for military neurosurgeons and spine surgeons.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA529175

Entities

People

  • Brian T. Ragel
  • Michael Rosner
  • Paul Klimo Jr.
  • Randall Mccafferty
  • Wayne Gluf

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Casualties
  • Civil War
  • Health Services
  • International Organizations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Hospitals
  • Military Medicine
  • Penetrating Wounds
  • Spinal Cord
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Spine
  • Vietnam War
  • Wound Infections
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Strategic Security Studies