J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2015 Oct;58(4):393-396. 10.3340/jkns.2015.58.4.393.

Radiculopathy as Delayed Presentations of Retained Spinal Bullet

• Ryu B
• Kim SB
• Choi MK
• Kim KD

• KMID: 2114380
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2015.58.4.393

Abstract

Bullet injuries to the spine may cause injury to the anatomical structures with or without neurologic deterioration. Most bullet injuries are acute, resulting from direct injury. However, in rare cases, delayed injury may occur, resulting in claudication. We report a case of intradural bullet at the L3-4 level with radiculopathy in a 30-year-old male. After surgical removal, radicular and claudicating pain were improved significantly, and motor power of the right leg also improved. We report the case of intradural bullet, which resulted in delayed radiculopathy.

Keyword

Bullet injury; Delayed presentation; Claudication; Radiculopathy

MeSH Terms

Adult
Humans
Leg
Male
Radiculopathy*
Spine

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The wound on the left flank that had already healed (black arrow).

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  Fig. 2 Pre-operative A-P (A) and lateral (B) plain radiographs of the lumbar spine revealed a round, radiopaque mass in the spinal canal at the L3-4 level.

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  Fig. 3 Noncontrast CT reconstructed sagittal (A) and axial (B) images of the lumbar spine. The bullet within the spinal canal was pointed cephalad at the L3-4 interspace.

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  Fig. 4 The removed bullet was 1.5 cm long and weighed 11 g.

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