Stephanie Zyck1, Gentian Toshkezi2, Satish Krishnamurthy2, David A Carter2, Adnan Siddiqui3, Ali Hazama2, Mayur Jayarao4, Lawrence Chin2. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA. Electronic address: zycks@upstate.edu. 2. Department of Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA. 3. Department of Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA. 4. Department of Neurosurgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Penetrating traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), with the exception of gunshot wounds, are relatively rare occurrences and affect all ages. Clinical presentation varies depending on the mechanism of the injury. Prompt surgical treatment is often indicated and is influenced by patient clinical examination, anatomic trajectory, and the penetrating object's size, shape, and velocity. METHODS: We present 3 cases of penetrating TBI. Their similarities and differences affecting operative and medical management are compared. We relate our experience with management of penetrating intracranial foreign bodies in general and discuss the relevant literature. RESULTS: Our first case was a 12-year-old male who presented with a self-inflicted transfacial transcranial injury by a crossbow. The arrow passed through the left sphenoid and cavernous sinus and exited through the parietal calvarium. Our second case was a 37-year-old man with a transoral intracranial stab wound by a knife. In our third case, we present a 46-year-old male who accidentally fired a nail gun into his right ear. The nail traversed the posterior wall of the external auditory canal into the posterior fossa, ending in the cerebellar vermis. Each case was treated with craniotomy and foreign body removal. All resulted in good outcomes after surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgery in penetrating TBI is the treatment of choice. Our cases demonstrate how certain principles applied to individual patient scenarios may optimize clinical results. Severity of the injury and operative approach are among the most important considerations to achieve the best patient outcomes. Published by Elsevier Inc.
INTRODUCTION: Penetrating traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), with the exception of gunshot wounds, are relatively rare occurrences and affect all ages. Clinical presentation varies depending on the mechanism of the injury. Prompt surgical treatment is often indicated and is influenced by patient clinical examination, anatomic trajectory, and the penetrating object's size, shape, and velocity. METHODS: We present 3 cases of penetrating TBI. Their similarities and differences affecting operative and medical management are compared. We relate our experience with management of penetrating intracranial foreign bodies in general and discuss the relevant literature. RESULTS: Our first case was a 12-year-old male who presented with a self-inflicted transfacial transcranial injury by a crossbow. The arrow passed through the left sphenoid and cavernous sinus and exited through the parietal calvarium. Our second case was a 37-year-old man with a transoral intracranial stab wound by a knife. In our third case, we present a 46-year-old male who accidentally fired a nail gun into his right ear. The nail traversed the posterior wall of the external auditory canal into the posterior fossa, ending in the cerebellar vermis. Each case was treated with craniotomy and foreign body removal. All resulted in good outcomes after surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgery in penetrating TBI is the treatment of choice. Our cases demonstrate how certain principles applied to individual patient scenarios may optimize clinical results. Severity of the injury and operative approach are among the most important considerations to achieve the best patient outcomes. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Authors: Franz Marhold; Florian Scheichel; Barbara Ladisich; Philip Pruckner; Elisabeth Strasser; Melanie Themesl; Karl Ungersboeck; Branko Popadic Journal: Front Surg Date: 2022-06-28