An atypical ballistic traumatic cauda equina syndrome with a positive outcome. Focus on prognostic factors.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic cauda equina syndromes due to projectile wounds often have a poor prognosis. We report on an unusual ballistic cauda equina traumatism with a good functional outcome.

CLINICAL CASE: A 44-year-old man was admitted to emergency room for an incomplete cauda equina syndrome after trying to kill himself by means of a pneumatic nail gun. The nail had gone right through the third lumbar vertebra. Because of the stability of the fracture, orthopaedic surgery was not indicated. Neurological recovery was progressive. At 6 months, there was still a partial L5-S1 motor deficit on the left side but the patient could walk without crutches, and within an unlimited walking distance.

DISCUSSION: Initial imaging displayed a projectile trajectory focused on the spinal canal on level L3, which could have been considered as bad prognosis. The positive analytic and functional outcome correlates with the limited neurological tissue damage, probably explained by the ballistic properties of the projectile.

CONCLUSION: Apart from the influence of a possible surgical act, the neurological and functional prognosis of a traumatic cauda equina syndrome caused by a projectile also depends on its physical characteristics.