Civilian penetrating spinal firearm injuries of the spine. Results of surgical treatment with special attention to factors determining prognosis.

In this study, the cases of 17 civilians with penetrating firearm injuries of the spinal cord treated between 1968 and 1990 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, were analyzed. Relevant literature was reviewed and compared with our study. The results of treatment and other factors determining mortality rate and prognosis were evaluated. Our study and the literature both appear to indicate that operative intervention is the mainstay of treatment.