Subject(s)
Cervical Vertebrae/injuries , Spinal Cord Injuries/etiology , Wounds, Stab/complications , Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging , Cervical Vertebrae/pathology , Child , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Wounds, Stab/pathology , Wounds, Stab/radiotherapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Knife wounds to the posterior fossa are a rare occurrence, especially in children. We report an 8-year-old girl who sustained a penetrating knife injury through the occipital bone into the posterior fossa. On presentation, the large knife blade was firmly embedded in her head. METHODS: Radiographic evaluation was limited to plain X-rays because of the large size and sharpness of the embedded blade. Innovative positioning was used during intubation and then the patient was positioned semi-prone on the operating room table. The blade was surgically removed and the dura was closed. CONCLUSIONS: Atypical penetrating cranial injuries in children may require the treatment team to take a creative approach to the evaluation and repair of the lesion in order to maximize patient safety and minimize the risk of neurological injury.
