Treatment of Gunshot Wounds to Spine During Late 19th Century.

World Neurosurg. 2018 Jul;115:285-287. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.04.198. Epub 2018 May 7.

Protas M, Schumacher M, Iwanaga J, Yilmaz E, Oskouian RJ, Tubbs RS.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The demand for neurosurgical procedures increased drastically in the late 19th century owing to advances in ballistics during the American Civil War and Crimean War.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

Surgical care for a gunshot wound to the spine relied on skilled identification and removal of the fractured bone. Hemorrhage control and infection prevention were also imperative for improving survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although new techniques were implemented, the mortality rate from spinal injuries during this period was staggering. Nevertheless, those 19th century procedural methods provided the basis for present-day treatment for spinal injury patients.

Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

KEYWORDS:

American Civil War; Gunshot wounds; Neurosurgery; Spinal injury; Surgery