Bullet migration in the spinal subarachnoid space causing radicular symptoms

ABSTRACT

Bullet migration has been rarely reported. In this case report, we describe a 49-year-old woman who sustained a gun shot injury to the abdomen. After splenectomy for ruptured spleen, she developed weakness of the left lower limb [grade 3] and Babinski sign. Preoperative X-ray and CT scan of the spine showed the bullet at the level of S[1-2]. However, after laminectomy, the bullet was not in place and interoperative X-ray showed it in a new position at L[4-5]. The wound had to be extended and ultimately the bullet was removed. In patients with intraspinal bullets, preoperative fluoroscopy should be performed prior to surgical exploration