Surgical management of transcervical gunshot injury presented with CSF leak and progressive left upper extremity paresis: A case report and literature review

Introduction: Penetrating neck trauma (PNT) due to gunshot injuries is one of the challenging conditions with the potential for both major morbidities and mortality. Research Question: There are major concerns in approach to patients with spinal gunshot injury. Surgery indications, methods of surgery and management of CSF leak are main concerns in these patients. Methods: and Materials: An 11-years-old boy was referred to our center with a single gunshot wound to the left side of the posterior cervical region since two days ago with cerebrospinal fluid leakage and left arm weakness. Results: : The patient underwent surgery, and the pellet was removed. His left arm weakness fully recovered after the operation. No new symptoms developed during 1 year follow up. Conclusion: Timely surgery could dramatically improve outcomes in PNT patients with mild symptoms and prevent worsening neurological defects.