Minimally invasive approach to non-missile penetrating spinal injury with resultant retained foreign body: A case report and review of the literature.

Non- missile penetrating spinal injury (NMPSI) is a rare entity in North America and as a result there is no clear treatment paradigm. According to the literature, NMPSI causes serious acute neurological deficits and can also lead to devastating delayed complications in cases of untreated retained foreign bodies (RFB). In this report we present an acute case of NMPSI to the thoracic spine resulting in RFB treated by operative removal using minimally invasive fluoroscopic technique. While in prior published cases of NMPSI operative intervention was accomplished through laminectomy, our case presents an alternative, less invasive approach which may results in shorter recovery time. We also review the literature on NMPSI, including reports on both acute cases and chronic presentation due to RFBs. Based on this review, we conclude that NMPSI associated with RFB should be managed with operative intervention.