Nail Gun Injury of the Spine: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Since the first report about nail gun injuries in 1959, there has been an average of approximately 37,000 patients hurt by nail guns and treated in emergency departments. Carotid arterial injury by nail gun has been reported, but vertebral artery damage is extremely rare.

Case description: A 42-year-old man was transported to the emergency department after suffering an accidental self-inflicted nail gun injury to the left lateral aspect of his neck. Radiographic imaging of the cervical spine revealed a 3.1-cm metallic nail in the C5 region. A computed tomography (CT) angiogram revealed the nail passing through the left C5 transverse foramen and compressing the left vertebral artery. He was immediately brought to the operating room for removal of the nail. At 1-month follow-up, the patient did not have any neck complaints and postoperative CT angiogram indicated the patient was asymptomatic with no signs of complication or infection.

Conclusions: Based on our experience and a review of the literature, in terms of treating a nail gun injury to the cervical spine, we would like emphasize that preoperative CT scan or CT angiogram is necessary to assess the location and shape of the nail, especially nails with barbers or washers. Improving awareness of the risk from accidental nail gun trauma may lead to better prevention of this rare but potentially life-threatening injury.

Keywords: Injury; Nail gun; Spine; Vertebral artery.